Top hockey analyst Jason Gregor has high hopes for $2,000,000 Oilers winger ahead of 2025-26 NHL season

Edmonton Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin could be in store for a big offensive season in 2025-26, NHL analyst Jason Gregor believes.

During an appearance on "The Jason Gregor Show" on Wednesday, the hockey analyst had this to say about his expectations for Podkolzin this season:

“My guy on the team who I think is going to have, I think a pretty good improvement offensively, is Vasily Podkolzin. Podkolzin had eight goals, 24 points last year. I really think Podkolzin’s a guy who's going to get close to his career-high, which is 14 goals, which is almost double what he scored last year.”

The lofty expectations come as Podkolzin heads into the final season of his two-year, $2 million contract. That situation could put pressure on him to match his career high of 14 goals and 26 points, set in the 2021-22 season with the Vancouver Canucks.

Gregor concluded:

“And I think he’s going to come in 35, 38 points. I think you’re going to see a big jump from him.”

Check out Gregor's comments here:

Another full season in Edmonton could help Podkolzin break out as the Oilers give him greater opportunities to perform. Given the team’s cap situation, Edmonton will be counting on depth players like Podkolzin to step up this season.

Vasily Podkolzin to get shot in Edmonton Oilers’ top six

Podkolzin could be in for a big season by playing with Leon Draisaitl - Source: Imagn

Vasily Podkolzin looks to get a shot in the Edmonton Oilers’ top six this upcoming season. According to Daily Faceoff, the Oilers could slot him on the second line with Draisaitl and Matthew Savoie.

If that’s the case, the minutes Podkolzin plays with Draisaitl could elevate his game to another level. That’s why topping 14 goals wouldn’t be a stretch for the 24-year-old Russian forward.

Last season, Podkolzin played predominantly in the club’s bottom six. As such, he didn’t get as many chances to thrive offensively as he would have in the top six.

Now that he’s likely to get that opportunity, Podkolzin could show the Oilers what he’s got. The expectation to surpass his career highs would not be unreasonable. Of course, fans shouldn’t expect a 30- or 40-goal season from Podkolzin, but as long as he improves offensively, the team will be pleased to see him play with Draisaitl and Savoie.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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Edited by Nestor Quixtan