Vasily Podkolzin Proves His Worth in 2024-25 Edmonton Oilers Player Review

The 2024-25 NHL season has been nothing short of pivotal for Vasily Podkolzin, a player whose journey with the Edmonton Oilers has been marked by perseverance, untapped potential, and a growing confidence that now seems to be blossoming at the right moment. Podkolzin has shown that he belongs on a roster built to compete for a Stanley Cup, demonstrating that his skill set, work ethic, and on-ice maturity make him not just a depth piece, but a key contributor capable of influencing games in meaningful ways. This season’s player review paints a clear picture: Podkolzin’s time to shine has arrived, and he has firmly established himself as a player the Oilers can count on.

The Russian forward’s path to Edmonton wasn’t the smoothest. Drafted by the Vancouver Canucks with high expectations, Podkolzin’s transition to the NHL initially had its fair share of challenges. Adjusting to the North American style of play, the smaller ice surface, and the intense physicality of the league took time. While he showed flashes of brilliance early in his career, he struggled to find consistency and the right fit in Vancouver. A trade to Edmonton offered him a fresh start — a chance to reset, refine his game, and find a system that played to his strengths. The 2024-25 season has proven that Podkolzin has not only embraced this opportunity but thrived in it.

One of the defining aspects of Podkolzin’s game is his physical presence combined with a skillful offensive toolkit. At 6’1” and over 200 pounds, he has the size and strength to hold his own against the league’s toughest defenders. However, it’s his relentless puck pursuit and ability to win battles along the boards that have made him an invaluable asset to the Oilers this season. Podkolzin is the kind of player who can turn a broken play into a scoring chance simply through sheer determination and smart positioning. His work on the forecheck, in particular, has been a noticeable upgrade for Edmonton, as he consistently applies pressure to opposing defensemen, forcing turnovers and creating momentum.

Offensively, Podkolzin has taken a major step forward. While not necessarily expected to produce at the level of Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, Podkolzin has carved out a role as a reliable secondary scorer. His shot, which was often underutilized in his earlier seasons, has become a weapon, with improved accuracy and quick release. Whether it’s firing a wrist shot from the slot or burying rebounds near the crease, he has shown a knack for finding scoring opportunities. This newfound offensive confidence has been one of the most exciting developments of his season, and it has not gone unnoticed by the Oilers’ coaching staff.

Another element that stands out in Podkolzin’s 2024-25 performance is his two-way game. The Oilers have often been criticized for being too top-heavy, relying heavily on offensive firepower while sometimes struggling defensively. Podkolzin’s presence has helped balance the lineup. His commitment to backchecking, blocking shots, and maintaining strong defensive coverage has earned him trust in key situations, including penalty-killing duties. When Edmonton needs to protect a lead late in a game, Podkolzin is now one of the forwards who consistently gets the nod. This speaks volumes about how far he has come in terms of earning the respect of his teammates and coaches.

Podkolzin’s chemistry with his linemates has been another highlight. Playing alongside other hardworking, skilled forwards, he has seamlessly fit into the Oilers’ system. His ability to adapt to different line combinations has been a major asset, as injuries and lineup adjustments are inevitable throughout a long NHL season. Whether slotted into a third-line checking role or given minutes on a second line to inject energy and scoring, Podkolzin has consistently delivered. His versatility ensures that the coaching staff can utilize him in a variety of scenarios without sacrificing quality.

The 2024-25 season has also shown that Podkolzin’s confidence is finally where it needs to be. Earlier in his career, there were times when he appeared hesitant, perhaps overthinking plays or deferring to teammates rather than taking control. This year, however, he has demonstrated a willingness to drive the play, take calculated risks, and make bold moves with the puck. This newfound confidence has allowed him to become more creative offensively, whether it’s executing cross-ice passes to set up goals or carrying the puck deep into the offensive zone to create scoring chances.

Podkolzin’s leadership qualities are beginning to shine through as well. While he’s not the loudest voice in the locker room, he leads by example with his tireless work ethic. Young players on the Oilers have often been seen gravitating toward him during practices, learning from the way he approaches every drill with intensity. In a locker room already led by veterans like McDavid and Draisaitl, Podkolzin’s emerging leadership adds another layer of accountability and professionalism to the team’s culture.

From a statistical standpoint, Podkolzin’s numbers in the 2024-25 season have been impressive. His goal and point totals are on pace to set career highs, but beyond the stats, his underlying metrics tell an even more compelling story. Advanced analytics show that the Oilers generate more scoring chances and control the puck better when Podkolzin is on the ice. His ability to drive possession and contribute both offensively and defensively underscores his growing importance to the team.

The fans in Edmonton have embraced Podkolzin with open arms. Known for their passionate support, Oilers fans appreciate players who bring both skill and grit to the ice, and Podkolzin embodies both qualities. His highlight-reel goals, combined with his willingness to block shots or lay big hits, have made him a fan favorite. Social media is filled with praise for his performances this season, with many fans calling him one of the most underrated acquisitions the Oilers have made in recent years.

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons Podkolzin’s 2024-25 season stands out is the timing of his breakout. The Oilers are in a win-now mode, determined to capitalize on the prime years of McDavid and Draisaitl. Depth players like Podkolzin, who can provide consistent secondary scoring and reliable defensive play, are exactly what the team needs to complement its superstars. His emergence as a trusted forward has alleviated some of the pressure on the top lines, making the Oilers a more balanced and dangerous team overall.

Podkolzin’s development has not gone unnoticed by his teammates. McDavid himself has praised Podkolzin’s work ethic, noting that his energy and relentless drive to improve set a high standard for everyone in the locker room. Draisaitl has similarly highlighted Podkolzin’s impact, calling him a player who “does the little things right” and makes the team better in all three zones. Receiving recognition from players of this caliber is a testament to just how valuable Podkolzin has become to the Oilers.

As the Oilers push toward the postseason, Podkolzin’s role is only expected to grow. The playoffs are where depth players can make their mark, and Podkolzin’s physical style and two-way reliability make him a perfect fit for the intensity of playoff hockey. His ability to contribute on both ends of the ice will be crucial in tight, low-scoring games where every shift matters. For Podkolzin, this is an opportunity to show not only that he belongs in the NHL but that he can be a difference-maker on a team with championship aspirations.

Looking at the bigger picture, Podkolzin’s future with the Oilers appears incredibly bright. At just 23 years old, he still has room to grow, and the strides he has made this season suggest that his ceiling is even higher than initially believed. With the right development and continued confidence, there’s no reason to believe he can’t become a consistent top-six forward who contributes 20 or more goals per season while maintaining his strong defensive play.

The 2024-25 player review of Vasily Podkolzin is a story of perseverance and reward. He has overcome early career challenges, adapted his game, and seized the opportunity to prove his worth on one of the league’s most high-profile teams. His contributions this season have solidified his place in the Oilers’ lineup, and if he continues on this trajectory, he could be a key piece of Edmonton’s core for years to come.

Podkolzin’s story also serves as a reminder of the importance of patience and development in the NHL. Not every player hits their stride immediately, and sometimes a change of scenery is what it takes for talent to flourish. For the Oilers, acquiring Podkolzin has proven to be a smart move, adding a player who brings a unique combination of skill, size, and work ethic that complements their roster perfectly.

As the regular season winds down and the playoffs loom, all eyes will be on Edmonton’s stars to carry the team. Yet, players like Podkolzin will be just as critical in determining how far the Oilers can go. His ability to chip in with timely goals, play strong defense, and bring energy to every shift could be the X-factor that pushes Edmonton over the top. For now, one thing is certain: Vasily Podkolzin has shown he belongs, and his 2024-25 season is just the beginning of what promises to be an impactful NHL career.