Oilers’ Knoblauch says Podkolzin ‘hopefully’ going to play last pre-season game
One of the more important players on the Edmonton Oilers roster is expected to return soon.
When speaking to the media after the team’s 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch gave an update on forward Vasily Podkolzin, who was granted a leave of absence last week after his father, Alexander, suddenly passed away last Tuesday.
Knoblauch stated that Podkolzin will be returning from Russia later this week.
“We’re expecting his flight to come back Tuesday night,” Knoblauch said. “So, we’re not going to get him in that Wednesday game. He’ll skate on Wednesday, skate on Thursday, and then hopefully, he can play that last exhibition game.”
That last preseason affair will see Edmonton pay a visit to the Canucks on Friday night. The team will get a few days off before beginning the 2025-26 regular season with the season premiere of The Battle of Alberta, hosting the Calgary Flames next Wednesday.
Podkolzin came to the Oilers last August, when he was acquired in a trade that sent a fourth-round pick to the Canucks just a few months after signing his latest contract, a deal with a $1 million cap hit. He was brought to Edmonton not long after the Oilers lost forward Dylan Holloway to the St. Louis Blues.
The news of Podkolzin’s father’s death came the day after he signed a three-year contract extension. The deal, set to kick in next season, will carry an AAV of $2.95 million through the 2028-29 campaign.
Podkolzin proved to be a solid player in Edmonton’s top 12. In 82 games, the first time he’s played a full NHL schedule, the Moscow native posted eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points. He scored three goals and seven assists for 10 points in the postseason as well, as the Oilers made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final, only to lose to the Florida Panthers for the second year in a row.
It was the 24-year-old’s first full season in the NHL since his rookie season with the Canucks in 2021-22, having split the previous two seasons with Vancouver and its American Hockey League affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks.
Across four seasons, Podkolzin has appeared in 219 NHL regular-season games, scoring 26 goals and 33 assists for 59 points.
Devin Lloyd trade could turn Seattle’s defense into a powerhouse
Tariq Woolen Trade Proposal Could Transform Seahawks Defense
The Seattle Seahawks may be on the verge of a pivotal decision regarding cornerback Tariq Woolen. Recent discussions around a potential trade have sparked interest, particularly a proposal aimed at swapping Woolen for Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd. This move could address two pressing defensive issues for the Seahawks in one fell swoop.
The Trade Buzz Surrounding Woolen
With the NFL trade deadline looming on November 4, teams across the league have been eyeing Woolen as a potential target. While the news has circulated through various channels, it raises questions about Seattle’s intentions in making this information public. The Seahawks might be hoping to generate more interest and offers for the young cornerback, whose performance this season has not lived up to expectations.
Several teams have been mentioned as possible suitors, including the Las Vegas Raiders and the Baltimore Ravens, both of whom seek improvements in their cornerback play. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars, under the guidance of first-year head coach Liam Coen, have emerged as a compelling option for a trade involving Woolen.
Rob Staton’s Vision for the Trade
Rob Staton, a respected analyst familiar with the Seahawks, has proposed that a trade with the Jaguars should focus on acquiring Devin Lloyd instead of simply seeking draft picks. Staton argues that a pick, particularly a late-round selection, would not yield significant value. Instead, a player-for-player exchange could provide a more immediate benefit for Seattle’s defense.
Staton’s suggestion of targeting Lloyd is not without merit. Although Woolen’s name may carry more weight, his recent performance has left much to be desired. Woolen has increasingly become a target for opposing offenses, struggling in coverage when the pressure is on. The Seahawks have also faced challenges at the inside linebacker position, particularly with second-year player Tyrice Knight, whose tackling has at times been lacking.
Lloyd: A Tackling Machine
In contrast, Devin Lloyd has established himself as a reliable tackler, going the entire season without a missed tackle. His addition to the Seahawks’ roster could significantly bolster their defensive unit, effectively eliminating two of their most glaring liabilities in one transaction. If Seattle were to acquire Lloyd, they would also have the opportunity to extend his contract, potentially solidifying their defensive core for the future.
Exploring Other Needs
While the allure of acquiring Lloyd is clear, it is worth noting that the Seahawks might benefit even more from addressing their offensive line. Despite a promising preseason, the right guard and center positions remain critical weaknesses. If the Seahawks can part ways with Woolen and secure a solid starter in one of these positions, it could yield a more profound impact on the team’s overall performance than merely adding another linebacker.
In a league where every move can shift the balance of power, the Seahawks may be at a crossroads. The decision to trade Woolen could not only reshape their defensive strategy but also redefine their approach to tackling broader issues on the field. As the November deadline approaches, Seattle’s front office will need to weigh the immediate benefits of a trade against their long-term goals.
