Oilers sign Vasily Podkolzin to three-year, $8.85 million contract extension

The Edmonton Oilers kicked off their training camp ahead of the 2025-26 season last week and have had some big contract extensions hanging over their heads.

The team was able to check one of these off the list, announcing Tuesday they had signed forward Vasily Podkolzin to a new three-year contract extension. It kicks in starting next season and carries a $2.95 million annual average value (AAV).

The 24 year old is currently entering the final year of a two-year, $1 million AAV contract (puckpedia.com) he signed with the Vancouver Canucks before being dealt to the Oilers last summer for a 2025 fourth round selection.

Last season, in his first with the Oilers he scored eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points in 82 games, playing primarily alongside Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl.

Vasily Podkolzin re-signs with the Edmonton Oilers

Podkolzin was a highly touted prospect in his draft year, originally being selected 10th overall by the Vancouver Canucks at the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. He failed to gain a foothold in the NHL, being sent back and forth between the Canucks and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate the Abbotsford Canucks.

As a member of the Canucks he played only 137 games, scoring 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points over the course of three seasons.

Despite his struggles, the 24 year old Russian winger has seemingly carved out a role for himself in the Oilers top-six as a puck hound playing on the wing alongside Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl, garnering high praise from his linemate.

Draisaitl and Podkolzin's chemistry

When speaking about Podkolzin earlier this month Draisaitl said “Podzy does a lot of things that people don’t really see,” adding “He does a lot of work for me, and it lets me have a lot of time with the puck and sets me up in great situations.”

He continued “I really love playing with him. He’s a great player. He’s really underrated with the puck and his hockey sense. He doesn’t need to score to be valuable,”.

Podkolzin has been penciled in to return to his position beside Draisaitl by many and for good reason, there is obvious chemistry and statistically, it worked. Having Podkolzin on his wing, Draisaitl was able to capture his first Rocket Richard Trophy as the league's leading goal scorer and finished sixth in Frank J. Selke Trophy voting. Helping to push Draisaitl to become one of the best defensive forwards in the league.

Last year, the Viktor Arvidsson - Draisaitl - Podkolzin line was amongst the best in the league, possessing an expected goals (xG) percentage of 61 percent, with a 3.38 xG for per 60 minutes (according to moneypuck.com). They also had a 58.4 percent corsi percentage, meaning they controlled both shot quality and volume at 5-on-5 with their line on the ice.

It remains to be seen how they play this year but all signs point to a reunion and if history is any indication, it should be another impressive season for Podkolzin.