As a first-round draft pick in 2004, hopes were high on Russian center Pavel Podkolzin. With a 7’5 stature, Podkolzin had enough size to be a rim protector or a menacing inside scorer.

Vasili Podkolzin wasn't a no-doubt selection for the Russian squad at the World Junior Championship. He made the cut, though, and rocketed up the draft board with his play at the tournament.

Vasily Podkolzin played 137 regular season games for the Vancouver Canucks over the past three seasons. The timing of this trade is also a little confusing from a Canucks perspective. The Oilers ...