The Edmonton Oilers have long been known for their high-octane offensive firepower, led by superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Yet, hockey is more than just elite skill up front; the physical and relentless aspects of the game, such as forechecking, often make the difference between a good team and a great one. Forechecking—the aggressive pressuring of the opposing team in their defensive zone to force turnovers or bad plays—is a vital weapon in any team’s arsenal, and when executed well, it can dramatically shift momentum. Over recent years, the Oilers have lacked a consistent forechecking force who combines physicality, energy, and hockey IQ. This raises the question: should Edmonton bring back Vasily Podkolzin, the young Russian winger who fits the “built like a tank” mold and possesses the tenacity and grit to energize the Oilers’ forecheck?
Podkolzin is a unique player in the Oilers’ system. Standing at about 6-foot-2 and weighing over 200 pounds, he has a sturdy frame that allows him to battle in the corners and maintain puck possession under pressure. More than just size, however, is his style of play. He’s aggressive, determined, and fearless—traits that define a successful forechecker. His skating is powerful, enabling him to close gaps quickly and create turnovers. Podkolzin doesn’t shy away from contact; in fact, he thrives in it. These attributes make him a natural candidate to revive a forechecking style that the Oilers have sometimes lacked.
Historically, teams that rely heavily on skilled players like McDavid and Draisaitl can sometimes be vulnerable if they don’t have a strong forecheck or defensive forwards who can disrupt opponents’ breakout attempts. Opposing teams often try to neutralize Edmonton’s top stars by cutting off supply lines early or forcing turnovers before they get to dangerous areas. Having a forechecking force like Podkolzin would not only create more offensive chances but also relieve pressure on the team’s defense by forcing mistakes higher up the ice.
Podkolzin’s journey with the Oilers organization has been one of gradual development and adjustment. Drafted 10th overall in 2019, expectations were high for the young Russian winger. He spent time honing his skills in the KHL before making the jump to the NHL, where he had to adapt to the smaller ice surface and more physical style of play. His rookie season showed flashes of his potential but also some inconsistency—a normal part of any young player’s growth curve. What stood out, however, was his willingness to engage physically and chase pucks relentlessly, qualities that earned him respect among teammates and coaches alike.
The Oilers’ recent struggles with depth scoring and maintaining pressure in the offensive zone have highlighted the need for players like Podkolzin. When the top lines get shut down, it’s the secondary and tertiary players who must step up and create opportunities. Forechecking forwards who can win puck battles and create chaos behind the opponent’s net are invaluable in such scenarios. Podkolzin’s return could bolster this aspect of the Oilers’ game, providing more balanced scoring threats and improving puck recovery.
Moreover, forechecking is not just about physicality—it requires smart positioning, quick decision-making, and the ability to read plays. Podkolzin’s hockey IQ has improved steadily as he gained experience at the NHL level. He’s shown the capacity to anticipate passes, cut off lanes, and transition quickly from defense to offense. This blend of physicality and smarts is exactly what the Oilers need to complement their top-tier offensive talent.
One could argue that bringing back Podkolzin also adds a much-needed energy boost to the Oilers’ lineup. Hockey is a fast, grueling sport, and momentum swings can determine the outcome of games and even entire playoff series. Players who bring intensity and physicality can lift the entire team’s morale and make opponents wary. Podkolzin’s style is disruptive; his presence on the ice forces opposing defensemen to think twice, which in turn can create space and opportunities for McDavid, Draisaitl, and others.
However, it’s important to consider whether Podkolzin is fully ready to take on a bigger role with the Oilers. Transitioning from a depth role or the minors to a consistent, impactful NHL presence is never easy. He will need to continue developing his consistency, decision-making, and ability to perform under pressure. The Oilers’ coaching staff will have to integrate him into a role that maximizes his strengths without exposing weaknesses. But given his physical tools and playing style, there’s every reason to believe that Podkolzin could grow into a critical forechecking winger who helps the Oilers in multiple facets of the game.
Furthermore, the Oilers’ current roster dynamics make the timing right for Podkolzin’s return. Edmonton has seen some turnover in its bottom-six forwards, and adding a player who can contribute physically and energetically to the forecheck would address some of the team’s weaknesses. The NHL is evolving, but physicality and puck battles remain key elements, especially in playoff hockey. A player like Podkolzin can thrive in those high-pressure, gritty environments.
The comparison to other “built like a tank” forwards around the league also supports the argument for Podkolzin’s return. Players who combine size, strength, and forechecking ability often become fan favorites and team staples. They don’t always put up the highest point totals, but their contributions in puck battles, energy plays, and defensive support are invaluable. The Oilers would benefit from more of this type of player, especially when paired with their elite offensive stars who can capitalize on the chaos created by the forechecker.
Additionally, Podkolzin’s international experience adds another layer to his value. Playing in the KHL and representing Russia in international competitions has exposed him to different styles of hockey and tough competition. This has helped him mature both on and off the ice. Players who bring such diverse experience often translate it into a more adaptable and resilient playing style in the NHL. For a team like Edmonton, which faces a variety of opponents and tactical setups, having versatile players like Podkolzin is a strategic advantage.
It’s also worth noting that Podkolzin’s development aligns with the Oilers’ broader team-building philosophy. Edmonton has invested heavily in star talent but recognizes the need for complementary players who can execute specific roles, such as forechecking or penalty killing. Podkolzin fits perfectly into this mold—a young player with upside, physicality, and a willingness to do the hard work that helps a team win. Giving him a clear, defined role focused on forechecking could accelerate his growth and add much-needed depth to the lineup.
In the broader NHL context, successful teams often have a mix of skill, speed, physicality, and mental toughness. Forechecking is a key component of this balance. By pressing opponents aggressively, teams not only generate scoring chances but also wear down defenses over time. The Oilers have sometimes struggled with this element, and Podkolzin’s return could help fix that gap. His ability to sustain pressure, win battles along the boards, and force turnovers would create more chances for the team’s top players to shine.
In conclusion, the question of whether the Oilers should bring back Vasily Podkolzin as a forechecking force is one worth serious consideration. His size, physicality, and style of play make him an ideal candidate to add a much-needed dimension to Edmonton’s game. Beyond just being “built like a tank,” Podkolzin brings energy, intelligence, and a relentless work ethic—traits that can help transform the Oilers’ forechecking and, ultimately, their overall success. While he may still have areas to refine and consistency to build, the potential rewards far outweigh the risks. For a team aiming to maximize its championship window, reintegrating Podkolzin as a forechecking powerhouse could be a game-changing move.
