The Edmonton Oilers have made a contract extension today, no it is not Connor McDavid. Via B/R Open Ice, the Oilers have extended Vasily Podkolzin to a 3 year $2.95 million deal.
The 24 year old Russian forward asserted himself as a solid depth option in the Edmonton offensive rotation last season. In the regular season, he amassed 8 goals and 16 assists in 82 games.
But it was down the stretch in the playoffs where he made the most impact as he touted 3 goals and 7 assists in 22 games as the Oilers were narrowly edged by the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup final.
What does this contract mean for the Oilers?
While this may not be the big ticket extension Alberta has been waiting for, this is a positive development for Oilers nation. One of the biggest issues that has plagued the team throughout the McDavid era is a lack of depth and ultra reliance on their top end star power.
So, to get a potent secondary scorer locked up is good news for the Oilers. Over these next 3 years they will find out what they have in Podkolzin. He could prove himself to be more than just a depth option as untapped potential may remain. He was a former first round pick by the Vancouver Canucks, having been selected 10th overall in the 2019 draft.
Podkolzin will look to take another step forward this season as he aims to help his Oilers team clear the Cup final hurdle. In the meantime, fans will continue to wait and see what happens with McDavid.
