Oilers 2026-27 Player Previews: Vasily Podkolzin – The Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers

Training camp begins next week, so let’s continue our Edmonton Oilers player preview series, with only four players remaining. Yesterday we looked at Shakir Mukhamadullin, and now we turn our attention to another Russian.

Vasily Podkolzin had a breakout 2025-26 season. He recorded 19 goals and 37 points in 82 games, after scoring just eight goals the season prior. Before his breakout campaign, general manager Stan Bowman inked him to a three-year contract extension with a $2.95 million cap hit, beginning this season. This was a fantastic signing because if Bowman waited until the offseason, the cap hit would be much higher.

Podkolzin found a home on the second line alongside Leon Draisaitl, and they developed instant chemistry. Draisaitl has stated in the past that he loves playing with him, and he brings many intangibles. The 25-year-old is the epitome of consistency and has become a fan favourite. He’s a hard-nosed, physical forward who excels at winning board battles and retrieving loose pucks. His work ethic is incredible, and he rarely has an off night. He has established himself as a top-six player, and we should expect more of the same in 2026-27.

Best Case Scenario

The best-case scenario is that he remains in the top six and continues providing secondary scoring. Podkolzin doesn’t get power-play time, so most of his offence comes at 5-on-5. He was seventh on the Oilers in goals, but fourth in even-strength goals with 18. Only one of his goals came on the man advantage.

He should hit the 20-goal mark for the first time in his career, but don’t be surprised if he scores 25 goals this season. He has improved every season and has worked on his shot. He has learned how to score goals at this level. Podkolzin has the potential to record 50 points, and that would be a great benchmark.

The Russian winger is a physical force. He led the team with 242 hits last season, 49 more than second. He led the team in back-to-back campaigns, recording 211 the season prior. There’s no reason to believe he won’t duplicate those numbers. Expect roughly 250 hits this season. The Oilers lost physicality when they traded Darnell Nurse, so Podkolzin should easily lead the team for a third straight season.

Worst Case Scenario

Podkolzin’s worst-case scenario is still pretty good. He plays the right way and limits mistakes. He’s a coach’s dream because you know what you’re getting. He has played in all 82 games in consecutive seasons, so he’s been extremely durable. Now, the NHL has expanded to 84 games. The Oilers are thin in the top six, and they can’t afford a significant injury to one of their better wingers.

If he stays in the top six, his number shouldn’t dip significantly. Hopefully he can become a perennial 20-goal scorer. His expectations are high, so fewer than 15 goals and 30 points would be a setback.

Podkolzin Can Play Anywhere

Some players play well in the top six but struggle in the bottom six, while others are bottom-six role players. However, Podkolzin can thrive in both situations. He can generate offence and energy alongside Draisaitl, but also provide secondary scoring on the third line.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder is a play driver, and the Oilers don’t have many. He can move up and down the lineup, and his play won’t change. When players get moved around, they try to adjust their playstyle given their new role. But Podkolzin doesn’t need to. He can play the same way on any line and find success. Ideally, he would be a third-line forward, but the Oilers have limited top-six options.

A potential third line of Podkolzin, Jason Dickinson, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or Kasperi Kapanen is intriguing. That line would be responsible and could be trusted in all situations, while providing much-needed secondary scoring. However, Podkolzin will likely remain in the top six until they find a suitable replacement. He’s a great player to have in the lineup, and the organization expects big things from him in 2026-27.

Can Podkolzin continue his upward trajectory? Keep following The Hockey Writers as we continue the Oilers’ player preview series.