Oilers Top Prospect Signs Extension in Russia: Will Not Play in the NHL Next Year

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated May 25, 2025 10:58 AM ET

The Oilers will have to play next season without their top prospect Maxim Beryozkin, as he will not join the NHL and has decided to play in Russia instead.

The Edmonton Oilers are no strangers to adversity. They battled back from a catastrophic start last season to reach Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final before being heartbreakingly eliminated.

Much of the same has been witnessed this season, as the team dealt with a second dreadful start, as well as dealing with major injuries to Stuart Skinner, Leon Draisaitl, Trent Frederic, Evander Kane, and others. Mattias Ekholm has been out for the entire playoffs.

Maxim Beryozkin has just won the championship with his Russian team

Now, they have a challenge of a different kind, one that affects their short-term plans. Prospect Maxim Beryozkin, fresh off winning the Gagarin Cup with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, is poised to expire on his KHL contract on May 31.

While free to sign with the Oilers at that time, 'Sport Express' is reporting he'll choose to sign a one-year extension with Lokomotiv. This has yet to be confirmed by the club or Beryozkin's camp.

The 6'4' winger had a breakout season, scoring 15 goals and 42 points in 66 games, with 143 shots and 63 hits. He averaged nearly 16 minutes of ice time, including over two minutes on the power play.

In the playoffs, he took it to another level, with nine goals and 14 points in 21 games, with even more ice time and physicality. While disappointing for fans, the Oilers will retain his NHL rights and can sign him when his extension expires.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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