Podkolzin having breakout season

 Vasily Podkolzin is absolutely having a breakout season with the Edmonton Oilers in 2025-26—and it's one of the brightest spots in an up-and-down year for the team so far.

After being acquired from Vancouver in 2024 for just a fourth-round pick, Podkolzin solidified his role last season (8G, 16A in 82GP, plus 10 playoff points) and earned a three-year, $2.95M AAV extension in September 2025. Many saw him as a physical, bottom-six energy guy with untapped upside, but he's taken a big step forward this year, emerging as a legitimate top-six forward (often lining up alongside Leon Draisaitl).Key Stats (through ~32 games as of Dec 13, 2025)

• 12 goals, 15 assists, 27 points — on pace for ~35 goals and ~70 points over a full season, shattering his previous career high of 26 points (rookie year with Vancouver in 2021-22).
• Leading the team in +/- (+13) and dishing out heavy physical play (tons of hits, often 3-7 per game lately).
• Highlight: Scored two goals in the Oilers' 6-3 win over Toronto on Dec 13, helping blow the game open in the third period.

He's thriving with more ice time, better linemates, and confidence—combining his trademark grit (forechecking, cycle game, hits) with improved finishing and playmaking. Analysts are calling him a "true top-six forward" and an "emerging X-factor," with Draisaitl openly praising how much he loves playing with him.At just 24, this feels like the start of Podkolzin finally hitting his potential as that power forward everyone projected when Vancouver drafted him 10th overall in 2019. If he keeps this up, he's not just a breakout story—he could be a key piece for Edmonton's Cup chase. What a steal that trade turned out to be! You seeing the same vibes on your blog tracker? He's been climbing those leaderboards fast.
Grok by xAI suggested this article for McColl Magazine and wrote it