Oilers Prospect Nears Scoring Record, But May Not Play For Edmonton

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Liam McCormick
November 3, 2024 (8:03 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers have an extremely interesting prospect in Maxim Beryozkin, who's now nearing his KHL team's point streak record of 12 games.

The Oilers selected Beryozkin in the 5th round of the draft in 2020, but it may not be a sure thing that he comes to play in Edmonton. It's always a question where that young Russian players will make the jump to North America, but the Oilers will find out soon.

According to Bruce Curlock of Oilers Nation, Beryozkin's contract will end at the end of this upcoming season, in February of 2025. Curlock ranked Beryozkin as the Oilers 8th best prospect this offseason, and stressed that the team does everything they can to pry him away from the KHL.

The scouting report for Beryozkin should really excite Oilers fans. He's 6'4, 210 pounds, and a right shot forward which are assets in themselves. Curlock specifically noted Beryozkin's premium shot and offensive abilities, which had translated to a great scoring rate for his age in the KHL. Not only does Beryozkin have size too, but he also actually uses it - he's known for his punishing physical play and effective forecheck.

The Oilers could certainly have a use for a young, scoring power forward like Beryozkin. If he does decide to make the jump to North America with the Oilers next season, it's possible that he bypasses the AHL entirely - the KHL could be the second best league in the world. In 23 games this season with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv, Beryozkin has an impressive 6 goals and 19 points.

Towards the end of the KHL season in February, the Oilers will get more updates on whether he has any plans to make the jump to North America. Given his play so far in the KHL, the Oilers should be doing everything they can to recruit him.