The Podkolzin trade shows how much the Oilers are stucked in trouble

The Edmonton Oilers have acquired Vancouver Canucks forward Vasily Podkolzin in exchange for a 4th-round draft pick.

Who is Vasily Podkolzin?

Vasily Podkolzin was the 10th overall pick in the 2019 draft. During his draft year, the Russian forward was considered something of a mystery. He was ranked 3rd at the end of the first round, as despite his undeniable talent, it was clear he was not yet ready for the NHL.

Today, the Canucks' selection has proven to be a disappointment. After 2 seasons in Russia and a promising rookie season in the NHL, where he collected 26 points in 79 games, his performance in North America has been more challenging for the 6-foot-1 forward.

He has had 2 seasons where he spent as much time in the NHL as in the AHL. The 23-year-old forward has struggled to secure a full-time spot in the NHL.

Why this trade?

The Oilers are in a serious salary cap predicament. Currently, the Alberta team needs to match two offer sheets from the St. Louis Blues, involving their top two prospects and former first-round picks, Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg.

The 2 offers are for 2 years, at $2.29 million and $4.58 million, respectively. The precise numbers and years are designed to minimize the compensation the Oilers would owe if they don't match the offers. If the Oilers match the offers, they would be $8.2 million over the salary cap. However, the Oilers plan to place Evander Kane's contract on long-term injured reserve, freeing up $5.125 million on the cap. Additionally, next year the Oilers need to re-sign their star forwards Leon Draisaitl and defenseman Evan Bouchard, who are expected to demand significant raises. This situation does not make the job of the Oilers' general manager any easier.

Vasily Podkolzin is a low-cost project, packed with talent and inexpensive. He will likely replace the sacrificed forward from the Oilers to create the necessary salary cap space to match the Blues' offer sheets.

Sources:
X.com Reporter Chris](https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1825303766578704423
PuckPedia](https://puckpedia.com/team/edmonton-oilers

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