Another top Oilers prospect could join team after the next trade deadline

Maxim Beryozkin has officially decided to stay in the KHL for another season, but the Oilers have hinted that the plan will be to bring him to North America next season.

The KHL's regular season ends in February, and their playoffs wrap up before the NHL's does. The Edmonton Oilers left Beryozkin on their reserve roster after the trade deadline last year, allowing the possibility for him to join their roster in the playoffs.

If he comes to North America this season as is the plan, he could be joining the team just before the playoffs. Analysts at OilersNation brought Beryozkin up in a debate on the most exciting prospects on the team.

Before adding Ike Howard and David Tomasek, Beryozkin was considered the most NHL ready prospect in the Oilers organization.

The 23 year old Russian forward has played hundreds of games in the KHL already, and posted an impressive scoring rate of 42 points in 66 games last year - taking his team to a Gagarin Cup.

A big power forward with scoring ability that's already playing pro games, Beryozkin could immediately join the NHL after signing.

Given that the Oilers already left room for him last year and plan to sign him this year, Beryozkin could be a factor in the Oilers' playoffs next season. Hopefully he can make the jump to North America and be a difference maker right away.