This in from the Edmonton Oilers, news that they have signed 24-year-old power forward Vasily Podkolzin to a three year deal at $2.95 million per.
The reaction from hockey world was as fast and furious as Podzilla on the forecheck, with the Cult’s Kurt Leavin’s post a story here, and heated reaction on-line.
Oilers podcaster Karman Gill @Kgill39
Steal of a deal
Oilers hockey writer for the Daily Hive Preston Hodgkinson @NHLHodgkinson
Oilers REALLY love what Podkolzin brings to the team… and it’s no secret that Draisaitl loves playing with him. The Russian is a helluva forechecker, and it’s obvious there is more offensive talent than what the stats show. Don’t mind this at all
Canucks fan Troy @MrTRoyJenkins
Makes you wonder if he could of found a role with the team that drafted him, if it wasn’t for the old coaches system!
What Chaos podcaster DJ Bean @DJ_Bean
Love this. Think he could score 20 this season
Canucks fan Matt Pisko @MattPisko
You could have signed Holloway (who is a better player) for less.
Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer @Bob_Stauffer
Vasily had an impressive 1st season with the Edmonton Oilers. Respected by his teammates for his relentless work ethic. Led Oilers in hits last season (211). Middle-six forward who continues to work at his game and should add more offence in the future.
Leafs fan EveryDayLeafs @thatssoleafy77
I mean he has to take a step offensively for this to be a good signing. Average deal don’t hate it but don’t like it either
Oilers fan Node Newb @NodeNewb21
I’ll take what he brings over J. Skinner and Arvidsson but feels like a slight overpay.
Oilers commentator and Inside Sports host Brenden Escott @BrendenEscott
Can play up and down the lineup, brings some grit and Leon speaks glowingly of him.
Could add some more finish to his game to really make this contract worth every penny.
Cult of Hockey contributor Ira Cooper OriginalPouzar @coopsie39
Was hoping to keep the AAV around $2.5MM (for as many years as he’s willing to give) but Stauff said it wasn’t’ coming in < $3M.Had arb rights this year and 30 points gets > than $3MM in arb.Would have liked more terms but we’ve got him here for 4 years and he’ll be a good player
Edmonton hockey write Jackie Bondurant 🇨🇦 @JackieBee_16
PODDDZILLLLAAA 🦖 I’m totally good with this deal
Oilers fan Jerry T @JerryTurin
Just what McD was waiting to see before confirming with the Oilers!
Nashville Predator beat reporter for the Tennessean Alex Daugherty @AlexDaugherty1
Podkolzin, 24, scored 8 goals and 16 assists in 82 games last year. Just got $2.95 million AAV.
(Preds restricted free agent) Evangelista, 23, scored 10 goals and 22 assists in 68 games last year. About to get ????
National Sports Editor at the Daily Hive, Rob Williams @RobTheHockeyGuy
Oilers really love Podkolzin. I get why… but also he scored 8 goals last season, while playing a ton on Draisaitl’s line… I like Podkolzin. Hope he succeeds. But he’s 24 now. Tick tock.
Vancouver sports podcaster JABO Vancouver @jabo_vancouver
Hate the team, happy for the guy. No bad words for Podz. I wish him the best.
Oilers fan Barry Kachur @Tehbigbear8
3 more years of The Podfather! Solid deal for both sides
Oilers fan Joey @_TheIronCowboy
Draisaitl gets his man back and the Oilers obviously feel he has more offence to give yet.
Oilers fan Brad Lauder @OILfanincowtown
This is the way…. Podzy is a beast
Oilers fan Joe Hutzal @JoeHutzal
Oh boy. I believed the Oilers got a bargain getting Podkolzin in the first place and honestly felt he was as good of a prospect as Holloway…. With this deal he better be!
Oilers fan Bendro @Bouchslapper
Great deal wish they got more term but that’s would of been stupidly expensive
Oilers fan TylerDT @qauckenbush17
ALL THE PODKOLZIN JERSEYS.
Side bar, I’m especially excited about this one, I said he’d be a positive factor from the minute they made the trade, I double downed and bought a jersey that day, f*cking amped for this guy to continue to grow with us, work ethic is unmatched. YES.
Oilers fan Mathew Panchyshyn @mathewjdp
The 24 y/o Russian is a sublime two-way player that is only missing finishing ability. 59% xG share is sure to go places and for 2.95m, it’s bringing Edm to better places.
Great contract 👏
Oilers Nation writer Sid 🇨🇦 @NHL_Sid
Love this deal. Podkolzin was a very strong complementary winger for Draisaitl last season, and I hope the two continue to play together.
Oilers fan Finn 🇨🇦 @oilersjayscan
Loved his work ethic last year, and I have no doubt he’s going to continue to work hard here! This is a person that wants to be here, great move by Bowman and co. Glad to have you sticking around for the next few years, Vasily!!! Hopefully McDavid is next now🤞
Oilers fan Madi@Madi39
Love this deal. I wasn’t the biggest podz fan but he grew on me. Great value for him as this cap rises massively the next 3 years. Just need Walman next
Oilers fan Randy @hemigod1
Congratulations Podz! Looking forward to an additional 3 seasons of you destroying defencemen
Oilers fan Rob Suggitt @30G30N
#92 signed. Now do #97.
Oilers fan Davis Riar @DavisRiar
Podkolzin got that dawg in him. Helluva signing
Oilers fan Jake @OilAcumen
Too much money IMO. Player goes from a value deal to an overpay at that number, even with a rising cap