Oilers interested in waiver claim on young defenceman from Utah Hockey Club
The Edmonton Oilers are in the trade market for a depth defenceman, but a new option on waivers today, Vladislav Kolyachonok from Utah Hockey Club could be a no-cost solution.
The Oilers already claimed defenceman Alex Regula on waivers earlier this season, but he's a right hand shot, and still considered out indefinitely. Kolyachonok may fit the Oilers needs for depth on the left side.
Oilers should be interested in waiver claim on Vladislav Kolyachonok
When the Utah Hockey Club placed Vladislav Kolyachonok on waivers, it grabbed the attention of Oilers analyst Bruce Curlock, suggesting Edmonton could be interested.
The 23 year old Kolyachonok was drafted in the second round by the Florida Panthers in 2019. At 6'2 and 200 pounds, he has the abilities to play a physical depth game suited for the playoffs. He's only played 62 career NHL games to date, but that would be typical for a depth piece.
His analytics profile him as an effective defensive player, who actually has a fair bit of offensive upside. Additionally, he's under contract for the next two years at an affordable price tag of only $775K.
In a recent interview, Oilers GM Stan Bowman revealed that a depth left shot defenceman will be among their primary deadline targets this season. Kolyachonok lines up perfectly to the description.
- Stan Bowman
If he falls down the list on waivers, the Edmonton Oilers would be smart to make a no-risk pickup on Kolyachonok, bringing in a young player who can immediately fulfill a depth role and perhaps step into a bigger role in the future.
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