Fans React to Oilers Host Predicting Edmonton’s Next Breakout Star

The Edmonton Oilers could use some secondary offense to really step up this coming season and play a big role on the scoreboard. To avoid putting all the pressure on Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, players like Matt Savoie, Vasily Podkolzin, Kasperi Kapanen, Jason Dickinson, and others could play a key role. Podkolzin is being pegged as the one player who should be primed for a game-changing season.

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Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer wrote:

“Don’t be surprised if the @EdmontonOilers Vasily Podkolzin takes another step forward in 2026-27. Dedicated to his craft. Exceptional work rate. Physical. Will play in EDM’s top 6 and see time on PP2 and on the PK. On the verge of becoming a play-driving winger!”

The reaction to Stauffer’s assessment should be exactly what Oilers fans want to hear.

Instead of arguing otherwise, most comments on the post were in support of Stauffer’s take. Chris Johnston responded, “Who would be surprised?” The only answer that made sense was “Canucks management”, who gave up on Podkolzin when they traded him to Edmonton in the first place.

Another fan wrote, “He’s a Valeri Nichushkin level player. No reason he can’t put up 50-60 points on a regular basis.” While Nichushkin has had his issues in Colorado, he was a heck of a power forward. Even last season, in a down year, Nichushkin posted 49 points and had 17 goals. He’s also had multiple 20-plus goal seasons and has been a beast in the playoffs when available. If Podkolzin can produce at the same level as Nichushkin, it would be a huge win for Edmonton.

The only pushback Stauffer received was that Podkolzin would produce on a second-unit power play. The Oilers, frankly, don’t really have one. Traditionally, the top unit has played a huge chunk of the power-play time. The hope is that this will change under Mike Babcock, but time will tell.

Speaking of Babcock, analysts believe Podkolzin could be a favorite of the new coach. Hard-working, responsible, and talented, Podkolzin can also drop the gloves and create space for his linemates. If Babcock becomes a fan, ice time likely goes up.

So what is Podkolzin capable of? Is he a 20-goal forward? 25? Can he add 20-30 assists? At $2.95 million over the next three seasons, it would be a massive value deal.

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