Podkolzin Was On His Way To Furniture Store When He Learned About Trade To Oilers

3 min read
Aug 19, 2024, 6:23 PM
Vasily Podkolzin

Vasily Podkolzin (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Vasily Podkolzin was on his way to a furniture store to pick out furniture for his new Vancouver apartment when he learned he had been traded to the Edmonton Oilers.

"My wife and I were driving to IKEA to look at furniture for our new apartment when the Canucks general manager called and said I had been traded to Edmonton," Podkolzin told RG exclusively on Monday. "We talked briefly and thanked each other. Then the Oilers general manager called and said they were waiting for me on the team."

The Oilers acquired Podkolzin from the Canucks in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round draft pick on Sunday. The 23-year-old had two assists in 19 NHL games last season for the Canucks and 28 points (15 goals, 13 assists) in 44 games with Abbotsford of the American Hockey League. Podkolzin also played in two Stanley Cup Playoff games for the Canucks (no points).

"Of course, I was shocked by the trade," Podkolzin admitted. "After all, this is the first such experience in my career. Now I've realized it. I want to continue preparing for the season and arrive at the new team in good shape. It's important to fit in; Edmonton is assembling a good team. I hope I can help them win."

Selected by Vancouver with the No. 10 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, Podkolzin has 35 points (18 goals, 17 assists) in 137 games. He is entering the first season of a two-year contract he signed with the Canucks on April 18.

"I've been in Vancouver for two weeks now. I had a settled life here, but the NHL is a business, and a trade can happen anytime. This trade is a good opportunity for me as a player. I want to play and win as much as possible; that's the main thing. I'll be flying to Edmonton soon, I think in two weeks. Now, my wife and I will sort out all the daily issues in Vancouver, and then we'll get ready for the new place."

Daria Tuboltseva
Daria Tuboltseva
Hockey Reporter

Daria went to St. Petersburg State University and earned a bachelor of international journalism. Working as a sports journalist from 2014, from 2016 as a hockey journalist. Covered 5 World Championships, 2022 Winter Olympics, 2020 World Juniors, 6 Gagarin Cup Finals. 

Owner of a telegram channel Coolest Game on Earth.

Integrative nutritionist specializing on sports nutritionology.

Interests:
NHL
Nutrition
Interviews

More RG Exclusive Interviews

Hockey
05/16/2025
Sergey Demidov
Sergey Demidov
“I Hope I’ll Have Freedom on the Ice” – Matvei Michkov Talks Bond with Tortorella, Transition to the NHL, and the Tocchet Hire
Exclusively for RG, Matvei Michkov opens up about his rookie season, relationship with Tortorella, and the hunger to lead the Flyers back to the playoffs
“I Hope I’ll Have Freedom on the Ice” – Matvei Michkov Talks Bond with Tortorella, Transition to the NHL, and the Tocchet Hire
Hockey
05/16/2025
James Murphy
James Murphy
“I Wanna Go To A Team That Wants Me” — Logan Hensler Ready For NHL Draft Spotlight And Challenges Ahead
Wisconsin’s Logan Hensler shares his experiences adjusting to college hockey, managing draft expectations, and preparing for the 2025 NHL Draft
“I Wanna Go To A Team That Wants Me” — Logan Hensler Ready For NHL Draft Spotlight And Challenges Ahead
Hockey
05/14/2025
Sergey Demidov
Sergey Demidov
“I Haven’t Thought About Leaving Columbus”: Kirill Marchenko Reflects on Breakout Season, Goals for Next Season
Kirill Marchenko reflects on a breakout 2024–25 season, personal growth, team leadership, and his quiet focus heading into next year
“I Haven’t Thought About Leaving Columbus”: Kirill Marchenko Reflects on Breakout Season, Goals for Next Season
Hockey
05/13/2025
Daria Tuboltseva
Daria Tuboltseva
Report: Shakir Mukhamadullin Nearing New Deal with San Jose Sharks
Shakir Mukhamadullin and the San Jose Sharks are finalizing a new contract, sources indicated to RG
Report: Shakir Mukhamadullin Nearing New Deal with San Jose Sharks
Prev
...
Next

Our Authors

Paruyr Shahbazyan

Paruyr Shahbazyan started his business career as an entrepreneur in 2000. Over 13 years, he learned business and leadership, which laid the foundation for his career.

In 2013, Paruyr entered the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating, an online media platform he led until 2020. The platform focuses on in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting and has gained a reputation for quality content.

In 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This shows his commitment to technology in the sports betting space. Through all these experiences, Paruyr has been shaping and influencing the betting industry, setting new trends and standards.

Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports.

Strategic Vision

Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports entertainment industry by integrating technology. He sees the future of sports entertainment as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. He aims to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical reporting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable sports culture.

Meet All Our Experts
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read our
Privacy Policy
.