The Edmonton Oilers have made a significant move by acquiring forward Vasily Podkolzin from the Vancouver Canucks. In exchange, the Oilers sent a 2025 fourth-round pick previously acquired from the Ottawa Senators to the Canucks. This trade marks an important addition to the Oilers’ roster as they continue to shape their team ahead of the upcoming season.
Vasily Podkolzin, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, brings a mix of potential and experience to Edmonton. Last season, Podkolzin registered two points in 19 games with the Canucks. His performance with their AHL affiliate was more notable, scoring 15 goals and 28 points in 44 games. Overall, in 137 career NHL games, he has accumulated 18 goals and 35 points.
Podkolzin is set to earn $1 million annually over the next two years, a figure that adds to the Oilers' already tight salary cap situation. Currently, the Oilers find themselves more than $350,000 over the cap, navigating not just financial constraints but also the futures of key players Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. Both players have received offer sheets from the St. Louis Blues, adding layers of uncertainty to Edmonton's roster moves.
Philip Broberg, a promising defenseman, received a two-year offer sheet worth $4.58 million annually from St. Louis, while forward Dylan Holloway’s offer sheet is valued at $2.29 million annually for the same duration. According to section 10.3 of the NHL collective bargaining agreement, the Oilers have until Tuesday to match these offer sheets. Should they choose not to match, the Blues will be required to compensate Edmonton with a second-round pick for Broberg and a third-round pick for Holloway.
The Oilers' offseason has been marked by significant roster changes. In addition to Podkolzin, Edmonton added forwards Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner, along with defenseman Josh Brown. They also brought back familiar faces, including Connor Brown, Adam Henrique, Mattias Janmark, and Corey Perry, and re-signed defenseman Troy Stetcher. These moves demonstrate the team's commitment to strengthening its lineup after a promising but ultimately disappointing end to their previous season when they fell to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
The Oilers’ current financial squeeze contrasts sharply with the cap space enjoyed by the St. Louis Blues, who have over $7 million available. This stark difference in cap space puts additional pressure on Edmonton’s management as they make critical decisions about the team's future composition. Balancing the act of retaining pivotal talent like Broberg and Holloway against the need to stay under the cap will be a challenging task for the Oilers’ front office.
The trade for Podkolzin is a clear indication of Edmonton's strategy to bolster their forward line. Podkolzin's relatively modest salary, combined with his potential for growth, makes him a valuable addition under the current financial constraints. His experience, though limited, and his performance in the AHL suggest he could play a crucial role in the Oilers' plans moving forward.
As the deadline to match St. Louis's offer sheets approaches, all eyes will be on Edmonton's next moves. The decision will impact not just the team's roster but also its strategy for managing the salary cap. With the recent additions and ongoing contract negotiations, the Oilers are in a pivotal phase of team-building, one that could define their prospects in the next NHL season.