The Edmonton Oilers had fairly the busy offseason, with one signing particularly addition standing out. 23-year-old Vasily Podkolzin was added in a commerce with the Vancouver Canucks. Signed to a two-year, $1 million contract in mid-August, the Canucks determined to maneuver on and the Oilers took him on as considerably of a reclamation mission, hoping a contemporary begin would enhance his manufacturing. Whereas he’s but to get on the scoresheet with the Oilers this season, Podkolzin has performed a tenacious recreation, impressing the Oilers teaching employees.
Regardless of going pointless in seven video games, the Oilers are rewarding him with a little bit of a stumble upon the highest six as they tackle the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday evening. He’ll be on a line with Leon Draisaitl and Viktor Arvidsson.
Following a loss in opposition to the Carolina Hurricanes, the Oilers shuffled their strains as soon as once more. Jack Michaels tweeted that Podkolizn was practising on a line with Draisaitl and Arvidsson, whereas Connor McDavid goes with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman. In the meantime, the Oilers are making a little bit of a questionable transfer, sending Jeff Skinner right down to the third line regardless of his spectacular begin to his season.
Kris Knoblauch rapidly shot down any issues about Podkolzin’s promotion, stating, “I believe one other factor he provides to that line is a bit more physicality but additionally a man who can go to the online.”.
The younger ahead performs a determined type of hockey, main the Oilers in hits with a whopping 19 hits in simply seven video games—10 extra hits than anybody else on the roster. His eagerness to get into the soiled areas and win essential board battles is a invaluable asset. Moreover, Podkolzin generates extra possibilities for than in opposition to, recording 14 high-danger possibilities whereas solely giving up eight high-danger possibilities in opposition to. He’s the type of ahead Draisaitl has historically discovered success with.
Podkolzin within the Prime Six Would possibly Be An Experiment for Oilers
It is going to be intriguing to see how lengthy the Oilers persist with these line mixtures. Podkolzin has struggled to succeed in his full potential up to now and with no factors, the leash may not be lengthy. With only one full NHL season beneath his belt, the place he recorded 26 factors in 79 video games again within the 2021-2022 season, he’s but to show he’s top-six materials.
However, Podkolzin has performed a stable recreation since becoming a member of the Oilers, which has not gone unnoticed. He will get the nod from Knoblauch to play on the coveted second line with Draisaitl, a particular alternative for Podkolzin to show himself as an elite expertise. He appears to be like to get his first level as an Oiler in Friday’s matchup in opposition to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Subsequent: Rangers Signal Alexis Lafrenière to 7-Yr, $52.15M Extension
