Edmonton Oilers Sign Vasily Podkolzin Three-Year $8.85M Extension

The Edmonton Oilers signed 24-year-old right winger Vasily Podkolzin to a three-year extension worth $8.85 million total (a $2.95 million AAV) that will begin in 2026-27 and run through 2028-29; the deal includes $1 million in bonuses each season. The contract represents a notable raise from his previous $1 million AAV. Podkolzin, the 2019 10th-overall pick, was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in August 2024 in exchange for a fourth-round pick. He played all 82 games in 2024-25, set career highs in assists (16), hits (211) and games played, recorded eight goals and 16 assists in the regular season and added three goals and seven assists in 22 playoff games as the Oilers reached a second consecutive Stanley Cup Final. Known for his physical forechecking and penalty-killing, Podkolzin has taken on a prominent role alongside Leon Draisaitl.