Vasily Podkolzin reveals words from Rick Tocchet personally hurt him in horrible stint with Canucks
Photo credit: Postmedia
Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin is one of the most blunt and straightforward players on the team, and detailed what he called a horrible time in his final days with Vancouver.
The Oilers acquired Podkolzin for just a 4th round draft pick before training camp last season. The former 1st round draft pick played most of the year before in the AHL, as Coach Rick Tocchet told him he didn't believe in him as an NHL player.
Vasily Podkolzin reveals Rick Tocchet message that led to horrible time with Vancouver Canucks
In a wide-ranging new interview, Podkolzin detailed the conversation in training camp of 2023 that changed him entirely as a player. Coach Rick Tocchet told him his decision making was not at an NHL level, and the team wanted to move him to the minors.
They called me in for a meeting, and told me for several reasons right now, you're not at the NHL player level.
They told me your work ethic is definitely the best, you're in the best shape of anyone. They were like, «your hockey IQ isn't at the NHL level, you're making the wrong decisions out there.» That line really stuck with me.
- Vasily Podkolzin
They told me your work ethic is definitely the best, you're in the best shape of anyone. They were like, «your hockey IQ isn't at the NHL level, you're making the wrong decisions out there.» That line really stuck with me.
- Vasily Podkolzin
Podkolzin was shocked by the Canucks message, and attributed it to a change of coaching staff and GM. Sent to the AHL for almost a full year, he was looking for a trade out of Vancouver.
It's a surprise to hear the Canucks were so ready to give up on Podkolzin so quickly, who is still just 24 years old and a former 10th overall draft pick. The Oilers bought low on the young Russian, and he's fit right into Edmonton's lineup.
The scoring hasn't seen an uptick with only 24 points in 82 games, but Podkolzin played a great complementary role to Leon Draisaitl's like all season. His relentless forecheck retrieving picks and two-way awareness was a great fit with Draisaitl - and show he's got a solid hockey IQ.
Edmonton will benefit from the Canucks casting away Podkolzin too soon. Hopefully, he could even take another step offensively.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 9 | 697 ANSWERS Vasily Podkolzin reveals words from Rick Tocchet personally hurt him in horrible stint with Canucks Do you think Vasily Podkolzin is an NHL player? | ||
| Yes | 646 | 92.7 % |
| No | 51 | 7.3 % |
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