Oilers ignoring top prospect may cause another player to leave organization

Oilers analysts have been calling on management to prioritize a deal for Berezkin all season, as the 23 year old is soon set to hit free agency.

Oilers fans are know seeing a report from Russian hockey analyst Mikhail Zislis that doesn't bring good news for the relationship between Berezkin and Edmonton. According to Zislis' report in November 2024, nobody from the Oilers organization had spoken to Berezkin.

The Edmonton Oilers drafted Berezkin in the 5th round of the 2020 Draft. It's unclear if Berezkin means the Oilers have rarely ever spoken to him about a future in Edmonton, or if they just haven't engaged in preliminary talks to that point. Hopefully after November, the Oilers were able to contact their prospect.

Berezkin is now 23 years old and has just finished a breakout season in the KHL, scoring 14 goals and 40 points in 62 games.

At 6'4 and 210 pounds with hundreds of games experience in professional hockey, it's expected Berezkin has the size and skill to immediately jump to the NHL.

According to previous reports, Berezkin is slated to become a free agent from his KHL contract on May 31st, and could consider a jump to North America.

The Oilers could've been front runners to sign him, but it sounds like they haven't used the advantage of time to build any relationship with the player. Hopefully still, they can convince him Edmonton is the place to begin his NHL career.