Vasily Podkolzin | #92 | RW

[-Vintage Canuck-]

 

[CRAZY_4_NAZZY]

1 hour ago, -Vintage Canuck- said:

 

Quote

In Canada, hysteria: allegedly SKA is killing the career of Russian talent. But it seems he was just overrated

 

 

Russian McDavid

For the captain of the Russian youth team Vasily Podkolzin, the upcoming World Cup should be a defining stage in his career. The forward in the KHL rested his head on the wall and in SKA he hardly progresses. Two years ago, one of the most influential functionaries of Russian hockey, Roman Rotenberg, speaking about the universalism of the young player, compared him with Connor McDavid.

 

Let's be fair to those words. There was no question of a comparable level of talent. Although in the public mind the idea of a "Russian MacDavid" has taken root. Although in terms of their role, manner and their best qualities, these are completely two different players. I remember the story of the owner of the football "Spartak" Leonid Fedun as a failed prophet. He inadvertently called the young pupil of the club academy Denis Davydov "Russian Messi." Where the unrevealed striker is playing now, without the help of the Internet, you can't remember right away. Podkolzin, unlike Davydov, who lifted his nose ahead of time and lost his motivation, plows conscientiously. Whoever I spoke to from those who know him closely, not a single one doubted the professional attitude of the SKA forward to business. There can be no question of any "star".

 

 

However, the young Russian does not dominate even among his peers, and does not stand out at all in the KHL, gaining a modest 6 (2 + 4) points in 24 matches. In the last championship, he showed about the same indicators - 8 (2 + 6) points in 30 games, although he spent on the ice more than two minutes less on average.

Last summer, Podkolzina chose Vancouver high in the first round, and the hype around the striker's name grew to a completely indecent size. This is Canada, and every step of the future, as they say, the stars are viewed under a magnifying glass. I can remember something similar only in relation to Nail Yakupov and Edmonton.

 

 

Vancouver Madness

This season, when the striker sometimes dropped out of the main SKA line-up and did not score points, not only ordinary fans, but also journalists who called to "save Podkolzin", were spinning their heads. Vancouver TSN journalist Rick Dalival even contacted Rotenberg to find out why the striker was released for some time in the VHL. All of this was almost hysterical. Like, SKA deliberately strangles a player who does not want to stay in Russia.

 

 

This is not yet a fully resolved issue. Unlike his usual partners in the troika Ivan Morozov and Kirill Marchenko, the forward did not renew the contract with the club, which almost unequivocally hints about Podkolzin's immediate plans. But Vancouver has done absolutely nothing for the hockey player, whom it considers almost his property.

The situation improved only after the striker was called up to the youth team, and he played great in the Karjala Cup. Canucks General Manager Jim Benning has a nice touch about the forward's growth and how he is expected in Canada. From the outside, he looks like a lawyer trying to justify the high pick of the 10th overall pick in the 2019 draft.

 

Local media are also doing the usual propaganda work, praising the prospect in every way. Maybe the expectations have dropped a little, but for Podkolzin they still draw a place in the top 6 somewhere next to Elias Pettersson or Bo Horvath - the young leaders of Vancouver's offense. It looks extremely utopian.

The SKA forward is efficient, he can pull the puck, he is good at playing along, plows defensively and is good at martial arts. They say that he behaves very correctly in the locker room and in training. But the "wow effect" in his actions is not visible. Skating is still imperfect. The throw never became a lethal weapon. At the age of 19, giving up on Podkolzin is a big mistake. But the positive dynamics is almost invisible.

 

There were almost no cases when a player did not reveal himself in Russia, but later played in North America. The same Nikita Kucherov spent less than half of the season in the KHL and at the same time tore apart opponents in the MHL, the Quebec League, and at the youth and junior world championships.

 

Podkolzin's assets include the Glinka Memorial in August 2018, where he became the top scorer of the tournament together with Alexis Lafrenier. In December of the same year, he managed to prove himself just as great at the Youth Challenge Cup in Alberta, Canada, which in many respects secured a place for himself at the MFM-2019 in Vancouver. Since then, there have been only splashes in individual games. We remember the bright juniors of the last decade - in the KHL, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Vladimir Tarasenko, Kirill Kaprizov, Pavel Buchnevich looked much brighter.

Russian youth beat everyone at the Eurotour. Who will go to the MFM in Canada now?

Chance for MFM

You can blame the non-stop rotation in the club for everything, where Vasily was torn between troikas and leagues. But many can only dream about it. Rotenberg and Valery Bragin took Podkolzin to the World Youth Championship for another 17 years, almost in advance. He was given a lot of chances to prove himself in the SKA system. However, it cannot be said that Vasily was able to fully use them.

 

He gives all the best, works like a seasoned professional and does not progress, unlike Ivan Morozov and Kirill Marchenko, who were born a year earlier. An interesting detail: Podkolzin begins to look bright, only when he comes out with them in one triple. This was the case both last season and this one. “In this combination, he feels more liberated,” admitted Bragin. - He also sometimes plays well with others. Young, there are some differences. " The coach did not go deeper into details.

 

The World Youth Championship was and remains a tournament that can dramatically change a player's career. Send him into outer space or bury the chances of seriously climbing somewhere. After a successful performance, psychological confidence appears, which is very important at such a tender age, and well-founded claims to a firm place in the main team at the KHL level. Podkolzin seems imperturbable and icy only from the outside. For him, as well as for any young player, emotions and psychology are important.

 

Igor Larionov , judging by the Karjala Cup, knows what to do. In the role of captain and leader, Podkolzin looked great. If he shows himself in the same way at the World Championships, he will receive a great impetus for growth. It is probably naive to expect that the forward will grow into a figure of a galactic scale. At 19, however, there is still room for progress. In an ideal world, he could accompany Ivan Barbashev on the flank of the holding three of the ideal Russian national team in two or three years. Let's be realistic. That's not bad either.

 

If you didn't think it was political for Podkolzin in SKA this article by a Russian source pretty much tries to push it aside as it having to be a defect with Podkolzin and somehow Vancouver management, media, fans. Its cute the article writer tries to gaslight Vancouver haha.

 

Get this kid out of this toxic environment. Not only are they yo-yoing him in and out of the lineup and in between leagues but clearly trying to apply pressure  move Podkolzin into a direction of resigning, which also reflects their fear of losing a good player. So rather than allowing self-actualization of that full potential, cripple him.  Psychological tactics like that don't hold a player hostage, this new generation of players have the power, as SKA and all its politics will only drive Podkolzin into the arms of the Canucks sooner rather than later.

 

for a 19 year old to go through all of this shows an incredible amount of composure, resolve, and character.  

Edited November 29, 2020 by CRAZY_4_NAZZY

[Googlie]

To devil's advocate, it could be that the author is spot on and Podz is not the reincarnation of Bertuzzi, but rather is just Sandlak reborn.

 

 But I prefer the Professor's opinion - Podz is the second coming of "he who shall not be named"

[DeNiro]

44 minutes ago, Googlie said:

To devil's advocate, it could be that the author is spot on and Podz is not the reincarnation of Bertuzzi, but rather is just Sandlak reborn.

 

 But I prefer the Professor's opinion - Podz is the second coming of "he who shall not be named"

He’s 19 and getting very little development time for a guy his age.

 

Bertuzzi wasn’t even Bertuzzi at 19. It took him until he was 23/24 to break out.

 

I find it ironic that they say Vancouver media is using propaganda when this article screams propaganda to me. 
 

Blasting a kid who’s 19 and by all accounts playing smart hardworking hockey when he plays. I think it’s pretty obvious that they’re playing mental games with him to try and get him to sign. Going from first line forward to benched the next game. There doesn’t seem to be anything in between for him.

 

Its a shame because I thought Bragin would have been more willing to help his development.

[aGENT]

9 minutes ago, DeNiro said:

He’s 19 and getting very little development time for a guy his age.

 

Bertuzzi wasn’t even Bertuzzi at 19. It took him until he was 23/24 to break out.

 

I find it ironic that they say Vancouver media is using propaganda when this article screams propaganda to me. 
 

Blasting a kid who’s 19 and by all accounts playing smart hardworking hockey when he plays. I think it’s pretty obvious that they’re playing mental games with him to try and get him to sign. Going from first line forward to benched the next game. There doesn’t seem to be anything in between for him.

 

Its a shame because I thought Bragin would have been more willing to help his development.

NVM that if they did their homework, they'd realize that 99 times out of 100, our crack media would be right there with them highlighting the worst case scenario 

[Boudrias]

Russian Hockey cannot be happy to see a pretty steady stream of their talent heading to the NHL. I suspect many KHL teams are losing money and lossing good players hurts. I am hoping that Larionov is talking to him regularly. 

[Coconuts]

Ahh yes, a propaganda article screaming propaganda. Can't wait til he's out of there. Even if he doesn't step in and make an immediate impact in the top nine, at least he'll have a professional NHL organization backing his develop.

 

He'll be given every opportunity to grow, AHL or otherwise. 

[Qwags]

Classic Russia tactics. 

[DeNiro]

10 minutes ago, Coconuts said:

Ahh yes, a propaganda article screaming propaganda. Can't wait til he's out of there. Even if he doesn't step in and make an immediate impact in the top nine, at least he'll have a professional NHL organization backing his develop.

 

He'll be given every opportunity to grow, AHL or otherwise. 

Seems to me they’re the ones putting unrealistic expectations and labels on him. 

 

Like if he fails to score playing on the top line it’s back to being a scratch. 

 

Is there not a spot in the bottom 6 that can earn him regular minutes?  From all the reports that I’ve seen (even from Russian sources) he plays a style that would allow him to thrive there.

 

That’s where I think the NHL has it right in terms of development. You start out in the bottom 6 and craft your two way game and then once you have the trust of the coach you move up.

 

This seems like if he doesn’t meet their expectations of what a top line player should be he gets no minutes. That’s hardly gonna help his confidence.

[J.I.A.H.N]

I find it some what strange that the writer could not understand or acknowledge the offensive output when away from SKA.....

 

Playing against men in the last tournament, he dominated.........

 

Playing for Larionov he gets the coaches praise................It seems to me, that the writer is not proud of his comrade

 

With the World Juniors close at hand, Larionov  will keep an eye on him.............

 

IF there is one thing more important than the KHL to Putin , it is how he looks on the international stage...........

 

His World Junior team is important, IMO.................Pods will get the royal treatment until then, which may explain why he is not playing

 

Funny, but I could see him defecting, while here.............If that happens, remember I said it!

[Chickenspear]

7 hours ago, CRAZY_4_NAZZY said:

 

If you didn't think it was political for Podkolzin in SKA this article by a Russian source pretty much tries to push it aside as it having to be a defect with Podkolzin and somehow Vancouver management, media, fans. Its cute the article writer tries to gaslight Vancouver haha.

 

Get this kid out of this toxic environment. Not only are they yo-yoing him in and out of the lineup and in between leagues but clearly trying to apply pressure  move Podkolzin into a direction of resigning, which also reflects their fear of losing a good player. So rather than allowing self-actualization of that full potential, cripple him.  Psychological tactics like that don't hold a player hostage, this new generation of players have the power, as SKA and all its politics will only drive Podkolzin into the arms of the Canucks sooner rather than later.

 

for a 19 year old to go through all of this shows an incredible amount of composure, resolve, and character.  

I particularly like the part when he said Vancouver hasn't done anything for the player... Kinda hard to do that when SKA own his contract, and likely wouldn't let us do anything anyways. Maybe this will spur Benning to talk to Pods' camp about buying out his KHL deal after the WJC.

[DeNiro]

35 minutes ago, Chickenspear said:

I particularly like the part when he said Vancouver hasn't done anything for the player... Kinda hard to do that when SKA own his contract, and likely wouldn't let us do anything anyways. Maybe this will spur Benning to talk to Pods' camp about buying out his KHL deal after the WJC.

Do they retain his rights if the deal is bought out?

[Coconuts]

2 hours ago, DeNiro said:

Seems to me they’re the ones putting unrealistic expectations and labels on him. 

 

Like if he fails to score playing on the top line it’s back to being a scratch. 

 

Is there not a spot in the bottom 6 that can earn him regular minutes?  From all the reports that I’ve seen (even from Russian sources) he plays a style that would allow him to thrive there.

 

That’s where I think the NHL has it right in terms of development. You start out in the bottom 6 and craft your two way game and then once you have the trust of the coach you move up.

 

This seems like if he doesn’t meet their expectations of what a top line player should be he gets no minutes. That’s hardly gonna help his confidence.

From what I've read about Podz since we've drafted him he should be more than capable of playing a bottom six role at the very least, his effort rarely seems to be in question. And he's a very respondible, hardworking player defensively. Boom or bust top line minutes vs out of the lineup or bottom line minutes seems like a wonky decision for a team that aims to be competitive. Young players don't usually make waves at the KHL level, but they're suffocating his ability to thrive at that level, which would benefit both parties. His team throwing him on the lop line after being scratched is telling, it shows that they think he can produce but also that they're not as invested in facilitating that production by altering their usage of him. 

 

I don't imagine he'll have many issues with Green or Cull, dude hauls ass and is committed to growing his game. I doubt he expects things to be handed to him, but it's hard to earn things when being yoyo'd be your organization. Canucks have more riding on his development than Russia does imo, they've gotta be the second most invested party in him elevating his game after Podz himself. I think all he needs is an extended opportunity with realistic expectations for a young player, but it needs to be in an appropriate role. 

Edited November 30, 2020 by Coconuts

[UKNuck96]

Tbh while that is a propaganda article and poorly done, there is some pertinent points in it.

 

he is 19 and his points aren’t exactly great. But he will develop and they would improve. Also he is an SKA player regardless of the NHL draft, his development to date has all been in the Russian system so they are right to ask what the Canucks have done, when the North American media is howling that they are ruining him. 
 

if you take a look at it from a non Canuck, non NHL viewpoint, players get brought up and developed in the European systems (including the KHL) and the then get poached by the NHL. It will be frustrating and tiring to see your players pulled out from underneath you time and time again, and then to be getting constant criticism about that player you built up before they have even left the team is just taking the biscuit. 
 

im not overly fussed about their usage of  him, their rosters are larger, he is young and still a bit streaky and players getting top line minutes ahead of him are producing more l, so while we all want him there from a team trying to win perspective I get it. The fact that he was dropped to the VHL is actually a good thing as it was giving him consistent   game time. That’s something we see all the time in the NHL. A youngster could come up and be around the line up and make some impact but then dropped down to the AHL with a view of giving them more consistent minutes.

 

development isn’t always about getting to play on the top line for 20 mins a game. It also happens behind the scenes, in training, in the job they are assigned etc.

[TNucks1]

wtf is wrong with the KHL and media over there, are they purposely tryna drown him?

[DeNiro]

7 minutes ago, TNucks1 said:

wtf is wrong with the KHL and media over there, are they purposely tryna drown him?

Same strategy they’ve used for decades.

 

Either sign an extension with us or we’ll derail your development.

 

Thanks to guys like Mogilny at least Russian players don’t have to fear for their lives coming over here anymore.

 

The sooner we get him over here and in a bottom 6 role the better.

[Boudrias]

5 hours ago, DeNiro said:

Same strategy they’ve used for decades.

 

Either sign an extension with us or we’ll derail your development.

 

Thanks to guys like Mogilny at least Russian players don’t have to fear for their lives coming over here anymore.

 

The sooner we get him over here and in a bottom 6 role the better.

I would prefer he was playing in NA right now, but where? The KHL teams have to make a monetary and development decision on players who likely leave for NA. Just as we debate about giving up and coming prospects TOI versus established vets, the debate goes on. If Russia truly wanted to stop the flow of talent to NA they could easily do that by making passports disappear. Do we go back to the Mogilny days? I doubt it as such treatment would threaten more critical sectors that actually make big money for Putin. Pressure on family, playing time and exposure in key tourny's probably works for some. I guess another aspect would be the willingness for Russian vets in the NHL going back to play for Russian national teams would be impacted if harsher treatment was handed out. Just imagine if Ovy decided not to play for Team Russia. 

 

Pods might have some disappointments this season but IMO it wets his desire to come to Vancouver. I just hope that the Canucks are in regular contact.    

[Chickenspear]

12 hours ago, DeNiro said:

Do they retain his rights if the deal is bought out?

Not sure how KHL rights work, but I wouldn't really expect him to want go back at any point if that happens, or even if SKA wants his rights after that propaganda hit piece.

 

EDIT: did some digging, found this from the KHL cba: 

https://www.khl.ru/documents/KHL_legal_regulations_2020_eng.pdf?_ga=2.219185433.1241379354.1606749825-1257453532.1605401755

 

Article 32. Early termination of the Standard KHL Hockey Player’s Contract at the Hockey Player’s initiative

 

5. The Club with which the Hockey Player terminated the Contract at his own initiative, reserves its rights to such Hockey Player for the term that is equal to the period left until the date of the Contract expiry, namely:

a) the Club is granted the right to execute an exchange contract with another Club in relation to any rights to the Player (subclause c, clause 8, Article 38 of the KHL Legal Regulations);

b) upon the Contract expiry, the Club reserves its right to extent the sports rights in relation to the Hockey Player under 29 years by sending him a contract offer via KHL CIB Electronic Base.

 

So it would seem that SKA would hold his rights until the end of the contract, then they would have the opportunity to offer what would equate to an NHL qualifying offer to retain his rights further (though they've already offered an extension that was rejected).

Edited November 30, 2020 by Chickenspear

[WeneedLumme]

On the positive side, this crap he is getting from the Russian media is excellent preparation for the crap he will get from the Vancouver media. Should be a seamless transition.

[JM_]

whats really important here is whether this is Benning or Bracketts fault. 

 

Meh, some tit Russian reporter made click-bait. Takes nothing away whatsoever from the raw tools we see in this kid.