Edmonton Oilers Trade Analysis: Vasily Podkolzin and Ty Emberson

The Edmonton Oilers have made two intriguing moves in acquiring Vasily Podkolzin from the Vancouver Canucks and Ty Emberson from the San Jose Sharks. Both trades are likely in reaction to the dual offer sheets from the Blues for Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. Let’s break down what each player brings to the table and how these trades might impact the Oilers decision to match the offer sheets or let the players go.

Trading a 2025 4th Round Pick for Vasily Podkolzin

Vasily Podkolzin was drafted 10th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, and was once considered one of the most promising young forwards coming out of Russia. Standing at 6'1" and 190 pounds, Podkolzin is a power forward who combines size, skill, and a relentless work ethic. However, his transition to the NHL has been challenging, with limited offensive production in his early years.

Strengths:

• Physicality and Two-Way Play: Podkolzin is known for his strong defensive game and physical presence on the ice. He’s not afraid to engage in board battles and uses his body effectively to protect the puck. His two-way play makes him a reliable option in various situations, including penalty killing.
• Potential Upside: Despite his struggles, Podkolzin’s raw talent is undeniable. He has shown flashes of offensive brilliance in the KHL and during his time in international tournaments. If he can find his confidence and adapt to the North American style of play, the Oilers might have a top-six forward on their hands.

Concerns:

• Offensive Consistency: Podkolzin has yet to translate his offensive potential into consistent production in the NHL. His limited role in Vancouver didn’t allow him to showcase his skills fully, and whether he can develop into a consistent scorer remains to be seen.

The Oilers may see Podkolzin as a potential replacement of Dylan Holloway if they decide not to match the offer sheet.  The compensation for Holloway if they decide not to match is a 3rd round pick so this scenario could be viewed as moving Holloway at $2.3M and a 4th rd pick for Podkolzin at $1M and a 3rd rd pick. 

Trading Cody Ceci and a 2025 3rd Round Pick for Ty Emberson

Ty Emberson, acquired from the San Jose Sharks, is a defenseman drafted 73rd overall in the 2018 NHL Draft by the Arizona Coyotes, Emberson is a more low-key addition but one that could provide valuable depth to the Oilers' blue line.

Strengths:

• Defensive Reliability: Emberson is known for his steady defensive play. He’s not a flashy player but is reliable in his own end, making smart decisions with the puck and positioning himself well to break up plays. His hockey IQ and defensive awareness make him a potential third-pairing or depth defenseman for the Oilers.
• Leadership Qualities: As a former captain of the University of Wisconsin Badgers, Emberson brings leadership qualities and a strong work ethic to the team. He’s the type of player who can help stabilize the defensive core, especially in tough situations.

Concerns:

• Offensive Ceiling: Emberson isn’t known for his offensive contributions, which could limit his role with the Oilers. While he can move the puck effectively, he’s unlikely to become a significant point producer at the NHL level.
• NHL Transition: Like many young defensemen, Emberson will need to continue developing his game to make a full-time impact in the NHL. Whether he can adapt to the speed and physicality of the league will determine his long-term role with the Oilers.

The key piece in this trade is clearing cap space which may be used to match the offer sheet to Philip Broberg.  Trading Ceci all but guarentees Broberg a key role on the team if he's matched and adding Ty Emberson in the deal give the team some insurance if Broberg doesn't work out.

Conclusion

It looks to me that the team traded Cody Ceci to make room for the Philip Broberg contract and acquired Vasily Podkolzin to add depth at forward to compensate for the departure of Dylan Holloway.  The Oilers appear to be planning to match the Broberg contract and let Dylan Holloway go to St Louis.

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