In tennis, there’s this thing called an “unforced error.” It’s a mistake that occurs when the player has enough time and space to execute the shot but still misses. These things happen from time to time, but generally speaking, you’ll want to avoid making unforced errors when you’re trying to win a match.
Well, the Vancouver Canucks just committed an unforced error.
General Manager Patrik Allvin announces that the #Canucks have acquired a 4th round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft from the Edmonton Oilers (originally from the Ottawa Senators) in exchange for F Vasily Podkolzin.
DETAILS | https://t.co/ryh5vy2VZ2 pic.twitter.com/mgdYNo0FoM
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) August 18, 2024
Trading away Vasily Podkolzin probably was in the cards at some point. The former first-round pick hasn’t really lived up to his draft billing or potential and has seen consistent regression since his rookie year. Given what sort of sentiments were floating around him heading into training camp, Podkolzin was either going to make this team, or he was going to be moved.
But the Russian winger won’t be getting that make-or-break chance. He’s been shipped off to the Edmonton Oilers (of all teams) for a 4th round selection in the upcoming draft. And honestly, it’s an underwhelming return for an underwhelming player. Fair enough, but doesn’t make too much sense from the Canucks perspective.
Teams were probably not lining up to bid highly on Podkolzin, who only tallied two assists in 19 NHL contests last year and was sub-PPG in the AHL. His stock has only dropped while the players selected after him have only gone on to solidify their NHL careers season after season. Considering everything, there wasn’t much of a market for Podkolzin to begin with, and it’s very likely that this 4th round selection is the best return that Vancouver could’ve gotten in a trade for him.
The thing is, with camp just right around the corner, why not give Podkolzin that shot to become an NHL contributor? Yes, the production hasn’t been there since his rookie season, but there’s tangible evidence that the Russian at least has the motor to play at the NHL level. He does all of the right things without production — and it seems to be mostly the mental side of the game that’s holding him back.
Granted, it’s not a guarantee that Podkolzin would figure out the mental side of the game, that he could cement himself a top 9 role in Vancouver. But it’s definitely a lot more likely to happen than a 4th-round pick hitting, likely outside of the Canucks’ window, which is hinging on the likes of JT Miller and Brock Boeser (who isn’t that young anymore!). The upside of the trade is what is lacking. When dealing away a young player who possibly had more to contribute, it’s a little bit head-scratching, especially when there really wasn’t any risk besides waivers if Podkolzin couldn’t crack the 2024-25 Canucks lineup.
And what would’ve been the harm in having Podkolzin spend time in the minors or packaged in a bigger trade if the Canucks were looking to make upgrades? As of right now, there really wasn’t a clear spot for him in the lineup, and that’s fine — but he could’ve earned it or been another piece of a bigger swap for a need on the roster. There’s still some draft pedigree with Podkolzin and age on his side (for now), and a team might’ve been willing to throw in something for a cheap contributor that could possibly hit on some of his potential.
But Vancouver decided to cut their losses and send Podkolzin packing for a 4th round pick. Perhaps it’s the sunk-cost fallacy taking hold, but the trade and return are underwhelming in terms of its upside. Not many teams would probably give up a lot for Podkolzin by himself, so why bother making that deal? It likely would’ve been more valuable to give the Russian a chance to figure out his game again and come in and produce on that $1 million AAV deal that Vancouver inked him to in April.
Maybe Allvin is cooking up something with the extra fourth-round pick. Maybe it was a favour for a struggling prospect that needed a change in scenery. Whatever the case, it’s hard not to feel for Podkolzin a bit, whose promise fizzled out quickly and is looking like a reclamation case at the age of 23. He’s still got time, but for a player who is mature beyond his years, he’s going to have to figure it out in Edmonton, or it might be curtains for him in North America. As it stands, though, the Canucks have not reaped much of anything in this transaction.
