Canucks: What to expect from Vasili Podkolzin’s rookie year

Good things come to those who wait and for the Vancouver Canucks, it’s a good thing that Vasili Podkolzin is ready to make the jump to the NHL from Russia.

Two years after he was drafted 10th overall in Vancouver at the 2019 NHL draft and  after two years of playing limited minutes with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL, the Canucks top prospect is ready to wear the blue and green jersey.

There are lots to like about the 20-year-old. He is a feisty two-way player that can excel in all areas of the ice. Podkolzin’s skating has improved since his draft year and he has also got great hands and a good shot. To make a long story short, Podkolzin is an NHL-ready player and he already plays like a veteran.

He is coming off five goals and six assists in 35 KHL games and six goals and five assists in 16 games.

“Vasili is a competitor who plays an aggressive game,” said general manager Jim Benning after Podkolzin signed his entry-level contract. “He’s effective using his size and skill to get to the net and produce offensively. We’re pleased to sign him today and look forward to adding him to our young core of skilled players.”

After the World Juniors, last winter, Russian head coach Igor Larionov sung Podkolzin’s praises.

“I thought  Podkolzin played outstanding for the entire tournament, battling hard, taking pucks to the net, and playing hard,” said Larionov per Elite Prospects’s JD Burke. “I like Vasili. I think we need more players like him.”

Both head coach Travis Green and Canucks fans are going to love him.

Odds Shark gives Podkolzin the third-highest odds to win the Calder Memorial Trophy behind Cole Caufield of the Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings 2020 first-round pick Lucas Raymond. Nick Robertson of the Toronto Maple Leafs was given the same odds as Podkolzin.

It won’t be the end of the world if Podkolzin doesn’t win the Calder but he certainly is a dark horse candidate.

That being said, what can Canucks fans expect from the Russian’s first season in North America?

Firstly, he could start on the third line with Tanner Pearson and the newly acquired Jason Dickinson. His two-way game could help out with offence and defence on the third line but at some point, Green will have to put him in the top six. Putting him on Bo Horvat’s line could be interesting.

I expect Podkolzin to show Canucks fans what he is capable of once the season starts. His drive to the net, two-way game, and physical play will be a treat to watch. With more ice time and trust from Green, the two years will be worth the wait. I predict he will score 17 goals and tally 23 assists for a solid 40 point campaign.

How do you think Podkolzin will do in his first year in Vancouver? Let us know in the comments below!