Edmonton Oilers could soon sign NHL ready player turning into KHL star
The Edmonton Oilers have a very exciting prospect in Maxim Berezkin, and one Oilers analyst believes he could be an NHL ready talent if he joins the Oilers next season.
Maxim Berezkin was drafted by the Oilers in the 5th round of 2020, and the team has been encouraged to sign the budding KHL star forward earlier this season.
Edmonton Oilers prospect Maxim Berezkin deemed NHL ready talent by Oilers prospect expert
Oilers analyst Bruce Curlock has repeatedly said that Berezkin may be Edmonton's most NHL ready prospect, given his size, skill, and success playing in the KHL.
On the goal that Curlock highlighted, Berezkin used his size to continuously box out the defender in front of the net. His persistence paid off when he was able to get a tip-in while screening the goalie.
Through 51 games this season with the KHL's Yaroslavl Lokomotiv, Berezkin has 13 goals and 35 points. That's good enough for second on his team in scoring, and is impressive for 23 year old playing in a low scoring league.
Oilers will have to convince Berezkin to join Edmonton in transition to North America
Unfortunately, one mitigating factor for the Oilers adding Berezkin is like any other KHL player - he will be a free agent. There's no guarantee he will come to North America, or If it will be with Edmonton.
According to a piece from Daniel Nugent-Bowman in the Athletic earlier this year, Berezkin is set to be posted as a free agent on May 31.
He won't be likely to join the Oilers this season even if he signs, because he would have to be placed through waivers to join the team in-season.
Hopefully the Oilers can get Berezkin under contract, and add a young power forward with scoring ability to their lineup for years to come - and a player that could be making an impact as soon as next year.
