Tragedy strikes Oilers forward Vasili Podkolzin

The Edmonton Oilers have announced that forward Vasili Podkolzin has tragically and suddenly lost his father Alexander Podkolzin. Alexander passed away yesterday evening, just hours after the Oilers announced a new contract extension for Vasili.

Podkolzin has returned to Russia and will be taking a leave of absence from the team to deal with matters.

From the Oilers' press release announcement:

EDMONTON, AB – The Edmonton Oilers are saddened to share that Vasily Podkolzin's father Alexander tragically and suddenly passed away last night.

The forward will be taking a leave of absence to return to Russia and be with his family. The Oilers extend heartfelt condolences to Podkolzin and his family during this difficult time.

RIP Alexander Podkolzin.

Read below for yesterday's report on Podkolzin's new contract extension.

This just in, the Edmonton Oilers have signed forward Vasili Podkolzin to a three year contract worth $2.95 million per season.

The 24 year old Russian forward scored eight goals and 24 points in 82 games for the Oilers last season, his first season with the team after being acquired in a trade from the Vancouver Canucks. Selected in the 1st round (10th overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Podkolzin has failed to live up to his offensive pedigree but has established himself as a solid two-way defensive forward with the Oilers.

NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reports that Podkolzin's extension will pay $1M signing bonus each year and $1.95M in salary each season for a total of $2.95M AAV per season.