Edmonton Oilers may have acquired the next Klim Kostin in trade

Podkolzin is just a five years removed from being a 10th overall draft pick, but has struggled to score at all the last two seasons. The Oilers bought low on him, only sending a fourth round draft pick in return. Oilers writer Jim Matheson compared the trade to the one that brought fan favourite Klim Kostin to Edmonton.

The Oilers acquired Kostin back in 2022, similarly a big-bodied Russian power forward who had struggled to establish himself in the NHL. Kostin only played one season before moving on from Edmonton, but his rugged style of play and ability to pot a few goals in the bottom six earned him the adoration of Oilers fans. Vasily Podkolzin has the potential to replicate that career bounce back if he can prove himself in Edmonton this year, and he'll have a fine opportunity to do so on a cup contending team.

Podkolzin has had some success early on with the Canucks, and has tore up the AHL the last few seasons. In 2021-22, Podkolzin scored 14 goals and 26 points in 79 games with the Canucks. Since then, he's been mired in a brutal drought - only scoring 4 goals in his last 58 games. Still, that's a better offensive history than Kostin has ever had. The Oilers have Podkolzin on a reasonable 2 year contract for $1M each year.

Given how low-risk of a trade this is was in assets and salary, it has potential to turn into a real home run for Edmonton. Podkolzin doesn't need to be a big scorer, but if he can throw some hits, bring some energy to the bottom six, and score the occasional goal - this trade will be amazing for Edmonton.

Part of what made Kostin so loved by Oilers fans was the way he so completely embraced the city of Edmonton, and still shows love to the team today. Hopefully, Podkolzin grows to love the team that used to be his biggest rival too, and can bounce back this year.

Source for Podkolzin Stats: PuckPedia - Vasily Podkolzin