How Former Canucks Prospect Vasily Podkolzin Emerged from Scoring Slumps to the Stanley Cup Finals…
On June 21, 2019, the Vancouver Canucks used their 10th overall draft pick to select Vasily Podkolzin from SKA St. Petersburg. Now, six years later, the Russian winger has become a contributor on a Stanley Cup Finals team—though not with the club that originally drafted him. So, how did this once-uncertain draft pick evolve into a key player on a championship-contending roster?
At the time of the draft, selecting Podkolzin was seen as a gamble. He was still under contract with SKA for two more years, which meant he wouldn’t be eligible to join Vancouver until the 2021–22 season. Meanwhile, the Canucks were in greater need of defensive reinforcements to support emerging star Quinn Hughes. Several skilled defensemen—including Cam York, Thomas Harley, and Ville Heinola—were still available. Talented forwards like Matt Boldy, Cole Caufield, and Connor McMichael were also chosen later. Despite this, Vancouver prioritized players with strong motors and high work ethics—qualities that have served Podkolzin well during his 2025 postseason surge.
“When evaluating 17- or 18-year-olds, that internal drive plays a major role in development. We look for guys who are coachable, determined, and willing to commit,” said then-scouting director Judd Brackett in a 2019 interview with The Province.
After being drafted, Podkolzin returned to SKA for the 2019–20 season, which—like many others—was heavily disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the KHL proceeded with its 2020–21 season, the effects of the virus were still deeply felt. During that period, Podkolzin represented Russia at his third IIHF World Junior Championship in 2021. Serving as team captain, he tallied two goals and two assists over seven games.
Podkolzin finished his time with SKA on a strong note, registering six goals and five assists in 16 playoff games. He signed his entry-level deal with Vancouver on May 30, 2021, and debuted in the NHL that fall. His rookie campaign included 14 goals and 12 assists, despite enduring a coaching shakeup early in the season when Travis Green was fired. Under replacement coach Bruce Boudreau, Podkolzin’s production improved—he posted nine goals and 10 assists in 52 games after Boudreau took over.
Despite his promise and effort, Podkolzin’s offensive output stagnated after his rookie season. Although fans still believed in his potential due to his drive, it wasn’t translating on the scoreboard. In 2022–23, he split his time between the Vancouver Canucks (39 games) and their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford (28 games). The following season, his AHL appearances increased significantly, as he suited up for Abbotsford in 44 games and played only 19 games with the Canucks, contributing just four goals and five assists over those two years.
Ultimately, Vancouver decided to part ways. In August 2024, they traded Podkolzin to the Edmonton Oilers for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft—just months after re-signing him to a two-year deal worth $1 million annually.
Fast forward to June 4, 2025: Podkolzin, now wearing an Oilers jersey, was seen celebrating after scoring against Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
The 2024–25 season marked a turning point. Podkolzin played the full 82-game regular season in a bottom-six role, recording eight goals and a career-best 16 assists. His average ice time also rose to over 13 minutes per game, reflecting a more steady presence on the roster.
Though not expected to be a top-line contributor, Podkolzin found himself sharing shifts with star forward Leon Draisaitl during the 2025 playoffs. He proved valuable as part of Edmonton’s depth scoring, contributing four points during their six-game series against the L.A. Kings. While Canucks fans may be conflicted watching his resurgence in another uniform, it’s clear that Podkolzin has taken a significant step forward with the Oilers.
