Oilers coach Knoblauch speaks on demotion for Vasily Podkolzin, insider suggests trade solution
The Edmonton Oilers adjusted their lineup today, and notably dumped fan favourite forward Vasily Podkolzin to the fourth line, leading some insiders to wonder if a trade for a top six forward may be on the agenda.
According to previous reports, the Oilers could be targeting a forward addition in trade.
Vasily Podkolzin bumped down the lineup, Oilers insiders speculate on trade
After an extended run with Leon Draisaitl in the top six this season, Podkolzin has been bumped down to the fourth line in last night's game and tonight's matchup against St. Louis. Podkolzin saw his ice time fall to just 7:49 last game.
Being moved down to the fourth line and used much less is a clear sign from Coach Knoblauch that Podkolzin isn't bringing enough right now.
Podkolzin has shown good work ethic next to Draisaitl as a plug and play option, and has won over Oilers fans with his personality and grit, but his 6 goals and 19 points through 52 games simply isn't top six production. Despite the drop in play, Podkolzin's confident he'll find his game.
- Vasily Podkolzin
Coach Knoblauch admitted the same, and said his reduced ice time was because of that dip in his play. Podkolzin seems to be a straight shooter, and can take the open challenge to be better. Knoblauch confirmed he will be eventually moved back up.
- Coach Knoblauch
Still, the Oilers have yet to find a reliable scoring partner next to Leon Draisaitl. Victor Arvidsson hasn't been as productive as expected either.
Edmonton Oilers linked to top six forwards for trade deadline targets
For those reasons, Oilers insider Jim Matheson believes an established top six forward may be a trade deadline target. Matheson named Richard Rakell, Kyle Palmieri, and Oliver Bjorkstrand as options.
Hopefully, the Oilers young Russian forward can find his game again and start producing some offence next to Leon Draisaitl. Podkolzin does have an underrated wrist shot, perhaps the key is getting him to use it more.
