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
