Vasily Podkolzin tells hilarious story of learning about being traded to Edmonton

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Ryan Hall
August 20, 2024 (3:17 PM)

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Newly acquired Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin learned that he was traded to the Oilers while shopping with his wife for furniture in Vancouver.

Podkolzin was driving to IKEA with his wife to pick out new furniture to help furnish their new apartment in Vancouver when Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin called him to explain that he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers.

"My wife and I were driving to IKEA to look at furniture for our new apartment when the Canucks general manager called and said I had been traded to Edmonton," Podkolzin told RG.org exclusively on Monday. "We talked briefly and thanked each other. Then the Oilers general manager called and said they were waiting for me on the team."

After the news had sunk in, Podkolzin was shocked by the deal as he has never been traded in his career. He reflected on what he will do to help Edmonton win.

"Of course, I was shocked by the trade," Podkolzin admitted. "After all, this is the first such experience in my career. Now I've realized it. I want to continue preparing for the season and arrive at the new team in good shape. It's important to fit in; Edmonton is assembling a good team. I hope I can help them win."

The 23-year-old forward was traded to the Oilers in exchange for a 2025 fourth round draft pick. During his time with the Canucks, he had played nineteen games with only two assists. He spent the bulk of his time with Abbotsford in the American Hockey League where he had fifteen goals and 13 assists through 44 games.

He is now prepared to move on and has good thoughts on this move.

"I've been in Vancouver for two weeks now. I had a settled life here, but the NHL is a business, and a trade can happen anytime. This trade is a good opportunity for me as a player. I want to play and win as much as possible; that's the main thing. I'll be flying to Edmonton soon, I think in two weeks. Now, my wife and I will sort out all the daily issues in Vancouver, and then we'll get ready for the new place."

Source: RG.org

Podkolzin Was On His Way To Furniture Store When He Learned About Trade To Oilers