Edmonton Oilers acquire forward Vasily Podkolzin from Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks have traded forward Vasily Podkolzin to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the clubs announced Sunday evening.

Podkolzin, 23, collected two assists in 19 games with the Canucks during the 2023-24 regular season. He also skated in two playoff games with Vancouver this past spring, recording no points.

The Canucks originally selected Podkolzin in the first round (No. 10 overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft. The 6’1″ right wing, who shoots left, spent most of last season with the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks, with whom he racked up 15 goals and 28 points in 44 games.

“We would like to thank Vasily for his time here with the Canucks,” general manager Patrik Allvin said in a statement on Sunday. “Podz put in a lot of work both on and off the ice and we wish him all the best in Edmonton.”

General Manager Patrik Allvin announces that the #Canucks have acquired a 4th round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft from the Edmonton Oilers (originally from the Ottawa Senators) in exchange for F Vasily Podkolzin.

DETAILS | https://t.co/ryh5vy2VZ2 pic.twitter.com/mgdYNo0FoM

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) August 18, 2024

After signing a new deal with Vancouver back in April, Podkolzin is under contract for the next two seasons at a $1 million cap hit. He’ll be eligible to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights in the 2026 offseason.

The Oilers originally acquired the fourth-rounder they sent to Vancouver for Podkolzin back in July, when they traded Xavier Bourgault and Jake Chiasson to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Roby Jarventie and the pick.

From Edmonton’s standpoint, Podkolzin could serve as a replacement for forward Dylan Holloway, who signed a two-year offer sheet worth $2.29 million per season with the St. Louis Blues last week. If the Oilers elect not to match the offer, they’ll receive the Blues’ own 2025 third-round pick as compensation.

The Oilers also have to contend with the status of defenseman Philip Broberg, who signed an offer sheet of his own with St. Louis the same day as Holloway. Broberg, who was drafted two spots ahead of Podkolzin in 2019, signed for two years at approximately $4.5 million; the Oilers will receive a second-round pick as compensation if they let him go.

The Canucks now possess seven selections in the 2025 NHL Draft: each of their own picks (except for their third), as well as the Senators’ fourth-rounder.