Vasily Podkolzin is ready to play for the Vancouver Canucks.
Two years after being selected tenth overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Podkolzin finally put pen to paper and agreed to a three-year entry-level contract.
"“Vasily is a competitor who plays an aggressive game. He’s effective using his size and skill to get to the net and produce offensively. We’re pleased to sign him […] and look forward to adding him to our young core of skilled players.” – Jim Benning"
The 19-year-old Russian has a skill set that’s highly needed within the Canucks’ middle-six. He brings a great combination of size and speed to his game, so much that he would have likely made the Canucks roster last season if it wasn’t for him already having committed to the KHL.
However, he played in 65 KHL games over the last two seasons with SKA St. Petersburg, scoring seven goals and 19 points. Not exactly numbers that jump off the page, but it’s important to note that Podkolzin played a very sheltered role — often getting fourth-line minutes.
It wasn’t actually until the KHL Playoffs this year, where Podkolzin had an offensive explosion. He led his team in scoring, potting six goals and registering a total of 11 points through 16 contests — a real glimpse at what he is capable of offensively.
Aside from his excellent net-front presence and his ability to score goals down low, Podkolzin’s ‘-bread and butter is actually what he can accomplish in the defensive end, and that’s an advantage for him when it comes to making the opening night roster.
He plays a very disciplined style, his man-to-man coverage sticks like glue, and his natural leadership qualities are second to none. Podkolzin has all the tools to quickly become a likeable contributor to the Canucks roster.
“Absolutely he’s ready for the National Hockey League,” said Craig Button on ChekTV’s Donnie and Dhali Show. “He is ready to come in and help that identity, and help this team be better. No question in my mind.”
Early expectations of Podkolzin are that he’ll be defensively sound, hard-hitting, and extremely hard working when he takes to the ice. He could be a dangerous net-front presence next to Elias Pettersson, he could be a compliment to Bo Horvat’s shutdown game, or he could help replenish Vancouver’s third-line firepower. Either way, he should make a noticeable difference.
What do you think Canucks nation? Can Podkolzin make an immediate impact in Vancouver?