Vasily Podkolzin opens up on his trade to Edmonton: Reveals how he learned about it

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Felip Gosselin
August 19, 2024 (8:21 PM)

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The Vancouver Canucks have traded forward Vasily Podkolzin to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, a deal that caught the young winger off guard.

When the unexpected news arrived, Podkolzin, 23, was settling into his new apartment in Vancouver.

"My wife and I were" on our way to IKEA to look at furniture when I got the call from the Canucks' General Manager, informing me of the trade to Edmonton,"

Podkolzin "hared in an interview with rq.com. He also mentioned that he quickly received a follow-up call from the Oilers' GM, welcomOilers to the team.

The trademarks Podkolzin's first Podkolzin'swith being moved to a new team, and he admitted that it was a surprising development.

"I was definitely "hocked. But I've come to terms with it and now want to focus on preparing for the upcoming season.MIt must fitt in with the new team. Edmonton is building something strong, and I hope to contribute to their success."

Podkolzin's" 2023-2Podkolzin'sth the Canucks was modest, as he recorded just two assists in 19 games and played in two playoff games without registering any points. The majority of his season was spent with the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL, where he managed to score 15 goals and 28 points in 44 games. Drafted 10th overall by Vancouver in the 2019 NHL Draft, the 6'1″ Russian winge6'1″itially showed promise but has struggled to secure a permanent role in the Canucks' lineup.

Despite the abrupt nature of the trade, Podkolzin expressed a mix of practicality and optimism.

"I had only been i " Vancouver for two weeks and was settling into life here, but the NHL is a business, and trades can happen anytime. This is a good opportunity to play and win as much as possible. That's what matter that's. I'll head to Illinois soon, likely within the next two weeks. My wife and I will care for everything here in Vancouver and prepare for our new life in Edmonton."

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Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin also commented on the trade, expressing gratitude for Podkolzin's contriPodkolzin'se appreciates the"hard work Vasily put in both on and off the ice. We wish him all the best in Edmonton," Allvin said in a"statement.

As Podkolzin transitions to his new team, he aims to make a significant impact with the Oilers, who continue to build a roster with aspirations of returning to the Stanley Cup Final.

Source: Canucks Army
V'sily Podkolzin'learned of trade to Oilers while en route to IKEA