Highly anticipated Oilers prospect refuses to commit to joining Edmonton

Beryozkin has been considered one of the Oilers top prospects for years now, and is considered an NHL ready player who could even be eligible for this playoffs. The Oilers just need to get him under contract.

Beryozkin's team, Yaroslavl Lokomotiv, has just won the KHL's Gagarin Cup. Right after winning the championship, KHL reporters asked if he was joining the Oilers next year. Beryozkin refused to commit to anything.

It's understandable that Beryozkin wouldn't want to commit to leaving right after winning the championship, but it does cast doubt on his signing chances. Perhaps he's now more willing to stay to win another Gagarin Cup.

The Edmonton Oilers selected Beryozkin in the 5th round of the 2020 NHL draft, and he's continued his career in the KHL since. Now 23 years old, he's considered an NHL ready player with over 242 professional games under his belt.

At 6'4 and 211 pounds Beryozkin plays a heavy and hard-hitting style, but also has the soft hands for a scoring touch. This season he finished second in team scoring, and added 9 goals and 14 points in 21 playoff games.

If Beryozkin does sign in the coming weeks, he'll actually be eligible to join the Edmonton Oilers in their playoff lineup. He was added to the Oilers reserve roster before the trade deadline, giving the Oilers the extra option.

Hopefully the Oilers are able to get Beryozkin signed, and add a young NHL ready power forward on a cheap contract for next season. Maybe, Beryozkin even develops into a key player for Edmonton.