As a first-round draft pick in 2004, hopes were high on Russian center Pavel Podkolzin. With a 7’5 stature, Podkolzin had enough size to be a rim protector or a menacing inside scorer.

NHL players always give fantastic and honest interviews in their native language, and now Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin has ...

Podkolzin scored 14 goals and 26 points over 23 games in his rookie season with the Canucks in 2021-22 and then scored only nine points over 58 NHL games between 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Vasili Podkolzin wasn't a no-doubt selection for the Russian squad at the World Junior Championship. He made the cut, though, and rocketed up the draft board with his play at the tournament.