Overview

• Edmonton announced Wednesday that Podkolzin will take a leave of absence following the sudden passing of his father, Alexander.
• The team said he has returned to his family's home in Russia and offered condolences to him and his loved ones.
• The leave comes one day after he signed a three-year, $8.85 million contract extension that carries a $2.95 million AAV through the 2028–29 season.
• Podkolzin played all 82 games last season with eight goals and 16 assists, and he logged 10 points in the playoffs during the Oilers' run to the Stanley Cup Final.
• The 24-year-old Moscow native was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in August 2024 after earlier stints between the NHL and AHL.