Vasily Podkolzin is suddenly looking like the kind of name Oilers fans want to circle in bold.
That’s the buzz after Bob Stauffer put the winger forward as Edmonton’s next breakout candidate, suggesting Podkolzin could be on the verge of turning into a real play-driving force for the club. Stauffer’s post said, “Don’t be surprised if the @EdmontonOilers Vasily Podkolzin takes another step forward in 2026-27.
Dedicated to his craft. Exceptional work rate.
Physical. Will play in EDM’s top 6 and see time on PP2 and on the PK.
On the verge of becoming a play-driving winger!”
For an Oilers team that could use more scoring support beyond Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, that kind of leap would matter. Players such as Matt Savoie, Vasily Podkolzin, Kasperi Kapanen, Jason Dickinson, and others are all in the mix to help lighten the load.
The reaction online was largely in Stauffer’s corner. Chris Johnston replied, “Who would be surprised?” and the only answer that seemed to fit was “Canucks management”, who moved on from Podkolzin by trading him to Edmonton.
One fan took the praise even further, writing, “He’s a Valeri Nichushkin level player. No reason he can’t put up 50-60 points on a regular basis.”
Nichushkin’s track record backs up why that comparison carries weight: even in a down year last season, he finished with 49 points and 17 goals, and he has also put together multiple 20-goal seasons while being a force in the playoffs when healthy. If Podkolzin gets anywhere near that kind of production, Edmonton would be thrilled.
The one area where there was some skepticism centered on the second power-play unit. The Oilers, as it stands, don’t really have one, since the top group has usually soaked up most of the available power-play time. There’s hope that changes under Mike Babcock, but that remains to be seen.
Babcock’s arrival also adds another layer to the Podkolzin discussion. Analysts see him as the type of player a coach like that could appreciate: hardworking, dependable, skilled, and willing to bring a physical edge.
He can also fight and open space for his linemates. If Babcock takes to him, the ice time should follow.
That leaves the big question: what does Podkolzin actually become? A 20-goal winger?
A 25-goal scorer? Can he tack on 20 to 30 assists?
At $2.95 million over the next three seasons, Edmonton would be getting serious value if he hits that kind of ceiling.
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