Vasily Podkolzin Bio
Vasily Alexandrovich Podkolzin is a Russian professional ice hockey winger currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on 24 June 2001 in Moscow, Russia, Podkolzin was selected tenth overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2019 NHL entry draft. He made his NHL debut with Vancouver in 2021 after developing his skills in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) with SKA Saint Petersburg, where he became the first player born in the 21st century to play in that league. On 18 August 2024, the Edmonton Oilers acquired Podkolzin from Vancouver in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL entry draft. The 23-year-old stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 190 pounds.
Early Life and Background
Podkolzin was born and raised in Moscow’s Maryino District. His family has deep roots in hockey. His grandfather played for Khimik Voskresensk, while his father Alexander Podkolzin competed in amateur leagues. Podkolzin first stepped onto the ice at age four and began playing hockey shortly afterward. His father worked as an entrepreneur, and his mother taught piano.
At age eight, Podkolzin joined the Belye Medvedi (White Bears) club, where he played until he was 12 years old. The Belye Medvedi facilities were located on the opposite side of the city from the family home, requiring over an hour of travel via metro and bus. When Belye Medvedi’s leadership changed and the club lost its professional affiliate, Podkolzin transferred to Vityaz Podolsk. He spent four years at their development school but was not given an opportunity to play in the Junior Hockey League (MHL), Russia’s top junior circuit. Seeking better prospects, he moved to powerhouse SKA Saint Petersburg in 2018. While in Saint Petersburg, Podkolzin lived in an apartment with teammate Ivan Manin.
Path to Professional Hockey
Podkolzin’s progression through Russian hockey ranks demonstrated his exceptional talent at a young age. He played for Belye Medvedi through his early teenage years before joining Vityaz Podolsk’s development program. The move to SKA Saint Petersburg in 2018 proved pivotal, as the organization provided access to higher levels of competition.
On 12 November 2018, Podkolzin made his KHL debut with SKA Saint Petersburg, achieving a historic milestone. He became the first player born in the 21st century to play in the Kontinental Hockey League, signaling his potential as a future professional star. During the 2018-19 season, he split time between three teams and leagues to continue his development: three games with SKA in the KHL, fourteen games with SKA-Neva in the VHL (the KHL’s minor league), and twelve games with SKA-1946 in the MHL.
Vasily Podkolzin Career
SKA Saint Petersburg Years (2018-2021)
Podkolzin’s time with SKA Saint Petersburg established him as one of Russia’s top hockey prospects. The organization, known for developing elite talent, provided him with opportunities to compete against older, more experienced players. His KHL debut at 17 years old drew significant attention from NHL scouts.
During the 2018-19 season, the structured approach of dividing his time between the KHL, VHL, and MHL allowed Podkolzin to refine his skills progressively. He demonstrated adaptability across different competition levels while maintaining the offensive instincts that would define his playing style.
Vancouver Canucks Era (2021-2024)
Entering the 2019 NHL entry draft, Podkolzin was rated as the second-best international skater by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau, making him one of the most coveted prospects available. The Vancouver Canucks selected him tenth overall, recognizing his potential to develop into an impact player.
Following his selection, Podkolzin remained in Russia for two more seasons due to his existing contract with SKA. On 30 May 2021, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Canucks. He scored his first NHL goal on 15 October against Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart in his second NHL game, a memorable milestone in his North American career.
The 2023-24 season presented challenges. Podkolzin spent significant time with the Abbotsford Canucks, Vancouver’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, where he recorded 28 points across 44 appearances. He experienced a frightening moment during a game against the Colorado Eagles when a collision with Keaton Middleton required him to be removed from the ice on a stretcher. He was recalled to Vancouver multiple times, contributing two assists across 19 games.
As a restricted free agent, Podkolzin re-signed with Vancouver on 19 April 2024, agreeing to a two-year contract worth $2 million. However, before commencing that deal, he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers on 18 August 2024 in exchange for a fourth-round selection in the 2025 NHL entry draft.
Edmonton Oilers Era (2024-Present)
Joining the Edmonton Oilers represented a fresh start for Podkolzin. The Oilers, a franchise with strong playoff aspirations and a history of developing skilled forwards, offered him an opportunity to establish himself as a consistent NHL contributor.
Throughout his career, Podkolzin has developed into a versatile two-way forward capable of playing in various situations. His 6-foot-1, 190-pound frame provides him with the size to compete physically, while his left-handed shot and hockey awareness allow him to contribute offensively. His ability to play both special teams roles and even-strength minutes has made him a flexible asset for his coaches.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Podkolzin’s career highlights, his KHL debut at 17 years old stands out as a testament to his early maturity and skill. Scoring his first NHL goal against Carter Hart, a recognized NHL goaltender, provided early validation of his professional potential. His international career also includes leadership roles, including serving as captain for Team Russia at the 2021 World Junior Championships.
Vasily Podkolzin Career Wins
Podkolzin has accumulated notable achievements across international competitions and junior leagues throughout his career.
International Competition Highlights
At the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Podkolzin captained Team Russia to a bronze medal. In the bronze medal game against the United States, he recorded a hat trick in a 5-4 victory. He led the entire tournament in scoring with eight goals, three assists, and 11 total points across five games. At the 2019 World Junior Championships in Vancouver, he recorded three assists in seven games, helping Russia capture another bronze medal. The following year at the 2020 World Junior Championships in Ostrava, he contributed five points in seven games, earning a silver medal as Russia finished second to Canada. He also competed at the 2019 Under-18 World Championships, scoring four points in seven games.
Junior League Success
Before turning professional, Podkolzin excelled in Russia’s junior hockey system. His performances with SKA-1946 in the MHL and SKA-Neva in the VHL demonstrated his ability to produce offensively while adjusting to higher levels of competition.
Vasily Podkolzin Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Podkolzin comes from a family with a strong hockey background. His grandfather played professionally for Khimik Voskresensk, establishing a multi-generational connection to the sport. His father, Alexander, competed in amateur leagues, continuing the family’s athletic tradition. His younger brother, Mikhail (born 2011), also plays hockey, suggesting the family’s involvement in the sport will continue for years to come.
Personal Life
Off the ice, Podkolzin grew up in Moscow’s Maryino District, where his parents still reside. His mother teaches piano, providing a contrast to the athletic pursuits of other family members. During his development years in Saint Petersburg, Podkolzin shared an apartment with teammate Ivan Manin, a common arrangement for young players navigating a new city and environment. At 23 years old, Podkolzin remains focused on establishing himself as a consistent NHL player while representing his heritage on the international stage.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks Podkolzin’s first full campaign with the Edmonton Oilers following the mid-2024 trade from Vancouver. Adjusting to a new organization, city, and defensive system has been a primary focus during the early portion of the season. The Oilers coaching staff has utilized Podkolzin in various forward positions, evaluating his best fit within the lineup structure.
Competing for ice time in Edmonton’s forward group requires consistent performance, and Podkolzin has embraced the challenge of earning a regular role. His two-way abilities and physical style align with the Oilers’ approach to 5-on-5 play. The opportunity to learn from Edmonton’s experienced players while contributing in a supportive capacity has provided him with valuable development opportunities.
The Oilers entered the 2024-25 season with aspirations of deep playoff run, and Podkolzin’s role could expand as the campaign progresses if he demonstrates reliability in his current assignments. His trajectory suggests he has the tools to develop into a dependable two-way forward, though establishing that consistency at the NHL level remains the central challenge ahead.