RW/LW Vasili Podkolzin - SKA St.Petersburg, KHL (2019, 10th, VAN) Part 2

[Vancouver Canucks]

Virtanen?

Virtanen's not a prospect.

 

[wetcoast]

Looks to be exceeding expectations so far, going to make quite the difference when VAN can insert him into their lineup. Somebody that can do it all and do it well.

I think k scouts and teams were aware of his skillset and talent.

The fact that he was signed to a Russian contract for 2 years after his draft might have scared some teams off though.

 

[Vancouver Canucks]

I think k scouts and teams were aware of his skillset and talent.

The fact that he was signed to a Russian contract for 2 years after his draft might have scared some teams off though.

To be honest, Vancouver should have selected a different prospect, but we can't travel back in time.

 

[Raistlin]

To be honest, Vancouver should have selected a different prospect, but we can't travel back in time.

Who would be your pick last year? I wanted Boldy but in hingsight, I just completely overlooked him because we never drraft Russians and he was supposed to be gone by the 10th pick. I think he's exactly what we lack and need. He has JT intangibles and a physicality and tenacity that no one on our top 6 has.

 

[Vancouver Canucks]

Who would be your pick last year? I wanted Boldy but in hingsight, I just completely overlooked him because we never drraft Russians and he was supposed to be gone by the 10th pick. I think he's exactly what we lack and need. He has JT intangibles and a physicality and tenacity that no one on our top 6 has.

Boldy was whom I've expected them to pick. Agile and physical, despite his size. He's definitely the top, or, at least, the depth guy we need.

 

[nowhereman]

To be honest, Vancouver should have selected a different prospect, but we can't travel back in time.

Based on what? It's not as if there has been anyone drafted after Podkolzin that has lit the world on fire; he was BPA and that's probably still the case.

 

[BCNate]

Boldy was whom I've expected them to pick. Agile and physical, despite his size. He's definitely the top, or, at least, the depth guy we need.

What do you see Podkolzin as?

I would have taken Podkolzin as high as 6 at the draft, behind Hughes, Kakko, Byram, Dach, Turcotte. Maybe Cozens as well. I do see him as a better fit than Boldy or Zegras at this point.

 

[Vancouver Canucks]

Based on what? It's not as if there has been anyone drafted after Podkolzin that has lit the world on fire; he was BPA and that's probably still the case.

I wanted Boldy.

 

[nowhereman]

I wanted Boldy.

That doesn't mean the Canucks should have done the same. Thankfully for the Wild, Boldy has rebounded considerably after a horrible start, but I wouldn't say he's doing anything to make the Canucks regret their decision.

 

[Vancouver Canucks]

That doesn't mean the Canucks should have done the same. Thankfully for the Wild, Boldy has rebounded considerably after a horrible start, but I wouldn't say he's doing anything to make the Canucks regret their decision.

Not saying Podkolzin is bad, but just my two and a quarter cents.

 

[wetcoast]

I wanted Boldy.

Personally I was looking at Krebs and Newhook, along with Podkolzin and the Canucks took the best player left on the board IMO.

 

[Vancouver Canucks]

Personally I was looking at Krebs and Newhook, along with Podkolzin and the Canucks took the best player left on the board IMO.

Krebs and Newhook are mid-rounds.

 

[wetcoast]

Krebs and Newhook are mid-rounds.

Yes they were and I think they were relative steals where they were taken.

 

[docbenton]

I think this guy is going to be a home run, he plays balls-to-the-wall in a way I've never seen a guy his size play. He's elevated his game in the KHL, dominant on the puck against men. Wrecks havoc on the ice for the opponent every second of every shift, and he makes plays too.

 

[NuxFan09]

I think this guy is going to be a home run, he plays balls-to-the-wall in a way I've never seen a guy his size play. He's elevated his game in the KHL, dominant on the puck against men. Wrecks havoc on the ice for the opponent every second of every shift, and he makes plays too.

He'll be a welcome addition to our core, which is a bit soft right now and struggling with the rigors of the NHL home stretch.

 

[Atas2000]

how does KHL playoffs work?

Canucks have never really had a top prospect in the KHL so ive never followed the league as closely as this year

Just like they used to be in the NHL. 1st against 8th in this particular case. Due to more disparity in the KHL the 1st ŕound for the 1st and 2nd in conference is more or less a walk with very rare upsets. And Vityaz the 8th team has lost Syomin who is their captain and most skilled guy right before the playoffs. Makes it a pretty lopsided series.

From the 2nd round on there will be no giveaways though. Even if SKA and CSKA are supposed to meet in the WCF there can be upsets and/or at least very tough series.

Also the game gets tougher in the playoffs just as in the NHL. In recent years I would even say that KHL playoffs are more physical than the NHL ones.

I am eager to see how the SKA kids will hold up. Especially as they are in the other conference

 

[Love]

Who would be your pick last year? I wanted Boldy but in hingsight, I just completely overlooked him because we never drraft Russians and he was supposed to be gone by the 10th pick. I think he's exactly what we lack and need. He has JT intangibles and a physicality and tenacity that no one on our top 6 has.

I personally would’ve taken Newhook but I like Podkolzin and you’re right about him bringing something rare to a top 6. Something we don’t have. Although I think you can say the same about Newhook. Nobody in our top 6 has his speed and skating ability.

 

[57special]

I think many are forgetting that Pod was #3 on many scout's lists. He was considered a steal at #10.
playing with men is a different deal. Even playing in the ECHL is tough, never mind the KHL. Pod will likely hit the ground running when he finally gets in the NHL. Unlike some other minor league prospects, he's not limited by size, speed, or strength.

 

[FreeMcdavid]

Podz with a goal for SKA St Petersburg in game 2. 1G- 1A in 1.5 games in the playoffs

 

[FreeMcdavid]

 

[canuckking1]

10 points in his last 15 games if you include playoffs

 

[Bgav]

To be honest, Vancouver should have selected a different prospect, but we can't travel back in time.

how can I dislike this post?

 

[Vancouver Canucks]

how can I dislike this post?

Krebs or Newhook.

 

[BCNate]

Podkolzin has put together a very impressive D+1 season as an 18 YO, and is really starting to put it together in the KHL. He should be NHL ready after next season, and step right into the Canucks roster.

 

[Love]

Wow I really wanted this kid at the draft and was hoping he’d fall. Based on the few reports here it looks like he is certainly a bust and can’t even get playing time because his coach knows it. Very unfortunate that he is only 18 and already trending downwards.

Totally. RIP Vasili Podkolzin, declared bust at the scene. He was only 18.