Edmonton Oilers Vasily Podkolzin scores first goal with new team Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Vasily Podkolzin shows he belongs: 2024-25 Edmonton Oilers player review

Originally posted on Oilersnation | By Zach Laing | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 9:00 AM ET

Welcome to my annual player review series, where I dive into the Edmonton Oilers season player-by-player. We’ll look back at the season that was, what kind of impact each player had, and what we could see from them next season. You can read about the analytics behind my analysis here.

Via The Nation Network

Few players did more to cement their stock with the Edmonton Oilers last season than Vasily Podkolzin.

After acquiring him from the Vancouver Canucks last August in the wake of offer sheets to Dylan Holloway and Phillip Broberg, there was a level of uncertainty about what Podkolzin would bring to the Oilers. With the acquisition cost was low, a 2025 fourth-round pick, and history as a top 10 draft pick, there was undeniable optimism he could start to put it together with a fresh change of scenery.

He did that in a big way, scoring eight goals and 24 points — all of which at five-on-five — while having some excenllet on-ice results. He found a home on the Oilers’ second-line with Leon Draisaitl, using his frame to battle, dig pucks out and get to the right areas of the ice. He generated 14.2 individual expected goals and among the most high-danger scoring chances on the team, going along with being the teams most consistent physical presence.

It wasn’t just his offensive game that was strong as his underlying numbers were particularly strong, especially in the defensive zone. He and Draisaitl made a great duo this season, choking out opposing teams in the Oilers zone all season long limiting scoring chances and the expected goal share.

His offensive production got even better in the playoffs, scoring three goals on 1.6 individual expected goals and laying nearly half the amount of his he did all regular season in just 22 games. The underlying numbers weren’t quite as as strong in the post-season, but there’s no denying the positive impact Podkolzin had.

A strong play driver in both ends of the rink with his contributions at that of a second-line winger, according to Hockey Viz, Podkolzin drove offence at a three percent rate above league average and defence at an eight percent rate above league average.

This upcoming season marks the second year of a two-year deal paying him $1-million, and will be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer, according to PuckPedia.

The Oilers clearly have a player here helping him find uptapped things in his game, and it’s safe to say he will be a staple in Edmonton’s middle-six next season.