The Canucks returned winger Vasily Podkolzin to AHL Abbotsford on Wednesday, per a team announcement.
The 22-year-old’s second stint on the NHL roster this season was brief, lasting just three days. He made back-to-back appearances against the Ducks and Kings, recording one shot while averaging 10:58 of ice time.
Podkolzin, the 10th overall pick in 2019, could very well be in his final days in the Canucks organization. The Canucks remain embroiled in trade talks for high-profile deadline targets like Jake Guentzel, and without a full-time NHL role, he’s a natural candidate to increase the value of their offers.
Sending him to Abbotsford frees up a necessary roster spot for Vancouver, who was at the 23-player maximum on their active roster. They may use the extra roster space to execute trades today or sign UFA winger Phil Kessel for the remainder of the season. The three-time Stanley Cup champion remains in Vancouver and has been working out with the organization since last month.
Podkolzin is in the final season of his entry-level contract, which carries a $925K cap hit. He’ll be an RFA this summer but is not yet eligible for salary arbitration.
He’s continuously slipped down the depth chart since skating in 79 NHL games for Vancouver two seasons ago, but he’s been decent in the minors this year with 15 goals and 28 points in 44 games. He boasted solid possession numbers in his two NHL showings this week, recording a 55.3 CF% at even strength with a +0.6 expected rating.
Any evidence he’s not a bust?
He will be next year’s Joshua (when Canucks cannot afford Joshua)
Forgive me, I don’t follow the NHL past my own team and don’t know much about prospects either for the NHL.
Would the Cannucks do Podkolzin and Lekkerimaki and a first for Jake?
I don’t see Vancouver a good trade partner for Guentzel. All their strong young scorers are definately not on the trade block – which PIT is in dire need of and they don’t have a 2024 1st or 2nd round pick which I think is pretty much a prerequisite for Guentzel.
Podkolzin would definately be the head line first piece going back to PIT but after him nothing excites me enough to swing a deal. Perhaps 2025 1st rounder but I think another good young player and a top draft pick most likely in 2025 is what PIT should get in return for Guentzel – regardless of being most likely a UFA this summer.
I still think Vegas is the best fit given they have draft capital for 2024. I would be fine with Paul Cotter, 2025 1st round pick and a 2024 2nd round pick for Guentzel.