Oilers share first update on Vasily Podkolzin after personal leave of absence

Podkolzin took a personal leave of absence to return home to Russia after the sudden passing of his father, Alexander Podkolzin.

Speaking to the media after tonight's preseason game, Oilers coach Knoblauch revealed that Podkolzin will return to Edmonton soon, and will play in the team's final preseason game on October 3rd.

The tragic news struck Podkolzin's family just one day after the 24 year old forward signed a 3 year contract with the Oilers.

When the contract was announced, the team spent a moment at practice applauding his contributions to the roster. Superstar Leon Draisaitl has repeatedly praised Podkolzin for the impeccable details of his game and how he conducts himself as a professional.

It must be incredibly difficult for Podkolzin personally to go from one achievement to an awful personal loss.

The Oilers are hoping Podkolzin can take a leap forward with a breakout season this year after scoring just 8 goals and 24 points last year. There's clearly more talent there. It's good to see that he will be back soon, and will get into more preseason action to ramp up.

He's clearly a good presence in the locker room, and now he'll need his teammates there to support him upon his return. A strong locker room is needed at times like these, and the Oilers are full of great teammates.

All of Oil Country will also be cheering extra hard for Podkolzin through the upcoming season and beyond.