Podkolzin’s Explosive Rise | NHL News

0:00On September 13th, Vasili Potkoltzin really stepped up his game last season, dropping 19 goals and 37 points in 82 games. That's a big jump from the year before, and it came right after he signed a 3-year deal, worth $2.95 million annually. He found a solid spot on the second line, clicking with Leon Drijzidol and became a real fan favorite. He's known for his physicality, always winning battles along the boards, and he rarely has an off-night. He's been a consistent presence, playing in every game for the past two seasons, and with the league expanding to 84 games, his durability is. Even more valuable, the team is a bit thin in the top six, so they can't afford to lose him to injury. Even in a worst-case scenario, he's still a reliable player who limits mistakes and plays the game the right way. Potkoltzin's versatility is a major asset. He can generate offense and energy on the top line, but he can also provide secondary scoring if he were to move down to the third line.

1:00He's a player who drives the play, and that's something not many guys on the team can do. He's shown he can adapt his game to different roles without missing a beat. While ideally he might be a third line forward, the team needs his presence in the top six right now. They're expecting him to keep up his strong performance this coming season. We'll have to see if Potkoltzin can continue this upward trend. He's got the potential to be a consistent 20-go score, and his physical presence is undeniable. He's definitely a player to watch, as the season gets underway. I'm Cory with the story, and you've been listening to NHL News today, AI-powered team coverage.