The Edmonton Oilers’ play have been up and down during their recent stretch of games, but one constant has been the impactful play of forward Vasily Podkolzin. When centerman Leon Draisaitl went on a leave of absence to tend to a family matter in Germany, Podkolzin was given an opportunity to move up the lineup and play alongside Connor McDavid.

In those three games, the physical forward didn’t disappoint. He produced three points (two goals, one assist), dropped the gloves after his captain got hit, and, when Draisaitl returned against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Podkolzin moved back alongside him, still playing steady, making some big plays on the penalty kill.

With that in mind, we caught up with Podkolzin’s offseason skills coach, Ned Lukacevic, to get his thoughts on how a player would prepare to transition from playing with Draisaitl to McDavid, Podkolzin sticking up for his captain, and on what makes the Oilers’ forward so effective on the penalty kill.

“I thought it was amazing. It was surreal to think that someone almost two years ago was playing in the American Hockey League — someone who had been written off by another NHL organization, viewed as a ‘bust,’ so to speak, moved from one of the bigger markets in the NHL for only a fourth-round pick, then come to another big market with arguably two of the best players in the world — and two years later be on a line with both of them at different times, — you’re just so happy for him. I was elated. It’s a real kudos to Podkolzin’s ‘never say die’ attitude. He put in the hard work through some tough times, and he earned that opportunity.”

“I think he just has to stay true to who he is. That means playing hard-nosed hockey and staying on his toes. When you’re playing with players of that stature, there are expectations — making plays along the walls and down low, getting them the puck when they’re open, and making the right reads to sustain offensive-zone time.

You can’t float; you have to be effective with every opportunity you get. You’re not just a guy on that line — you’re there to make things happen. And he did all of that, plus scored two goals playing alongside the best player in the world.”

“When I was watching him live in Vancouver, he was moving up the wall, moving his feet, driving his legs, and shooting in stride with a quick release on and off his stick. When he drove the net, McDavid got the puck to him, he shot for the back post and did exactly what he needed to do. He stopped right in front and scored a beautiful goal.

Those are solid details in his game and habits he works on in practice and during the summer. By just doing the right things, it led to two goals in his top-line opportunity. I don’t think he changed his game drastically, but I did notice he was making a few more plays overall. Having played with Draisaitl for a while, who is an elite talent, helped him when he got the chance to play with McDavid.”

“When you know who a player is playing with, you can help shape their game to mesh with their linemates’ tendencies. It’s challenging because lineups and situations change so often in hockey. But for a player like him, who’s played with Draisaitl and then with McDavid, you can refine his game to take advantage of what each of those stars does best.

Look at McDavid — he’s really fast through the neutral zone, so you can set up drills to work on making quick plays there. He’s also strong down low and can cycle the puck up high, so your ability to read plays is important. You have to be able to interchange and understand the game. That takes a good hockey IQ, and Podkolzin has that.

Leon is similar to McDavid in some ways, but also different. He’s strong down low, can draw a defender in, protect the puck with his body, and then make a play. Connor, meanwhile, spins out of the corner, crosses over, and creates opportunities across seams, into seams, and on cutbacks.

You can help players play with elite talent, but you also have to work on their individual skills. Vasily likes to focus on puck handling, being strong down low, and rim plays. All of those things go hand in hand, regardless of who he’s playing with.”

“I don’t even have the words for it. When I saw that play against St. Louis — McDavid’s amazing pass and Podkolzin burying it — I was like, ‘holy sh*t.’ But what can it do for a guy’s confidence? Everything.

It shows that you can play with anyone, move up and down the lineup, and make plays. It also shows the coaches that, if needed, he can fill a role on a top line — or if needed, he can be an energy guy, creating forechecking, pressure, and momentum for the team. I think for him and his confidence, it proves he can play with any type of player, adapt to different situations, and adjust to the game as it unfolds.”

“No surprise. I loved it. I was so pumped. He’s that kind of player and person. When you see that, you think, ‘this is a player who understands and knows his role on his team.’ His willingness to compete, fight, and stick up for teammates — those are qualities that don’t show up on the scoresheet.

When a teammate gets hit, and he doesn’t hesitate to drop the gloves with a guy bigger than him and hold his own, that’s the kind of teammate he is, and why he’s so respected by those guys. He has a lot of leadership qualities, and we’re starting to see more of it.”

“Nah, he’s super calm, friendly, and a laid-back guy. I mean, if you look at him, you might actually think he’s that type because of the tattoos and how jacked he is. But he’s the friendly, quiet, down-to-earth kind of guy.

Another thing I love about him is that he takes in any piece of information — he has the willingness to learn, adapt, and get better — and he’s just a downright grateful person.”

“When I re-watched the fight, he gave Kovacevic a little glove shake to let him know [they’re about to fight]. He didn’t sucker punch him, and it’s not like Kovacevic didn’t see him coming.

The instigator rule is a finicky one — I don’t love it, to be honest — but that’s just the way of the game. I do understand that the league wants to eliminate fights where players are attacked or can’t defend themselves. Still, I don’t think anyone, teammates or coaches, had a problem with what Podkolzin did. I’m sure they loved it, sticking up for their captain.”

“He has such a powerful stride. He takes up a lot of space, even on the forecheck and in the D-zone. He breaks up a lot of plays because he has such a good and active stick.

Also, he understands how to disguise his stick — all of a sudden, it’ll be at his stomach, and then boom, it’s on the puck. He knows how to use his stick to his advantage for takeaways and taking away lanes. He knows his stick is a weapon for him.”

“Absolutely. I mean, not only can he produce with two of the best players in the world, but with Podkolzin breaking out of his shell, his coming-out party, so to speak, it could give the team a bit more depth in different areas. He can now be seen as a driver on his own line. A friend of mine, Landon Ferraro, has mentioned that, and I agree.

I think the coaches now have full confidence in him to play anywhere — whether it’s the first line, third line, or even the fourth. That said, if they need more depth or have to fill out a line, I can see him stepping in and driving the play in the bottom six.”

“You have a hard practice and just reset. They’ve been through this so many times; they know what it’s like. The Oilers are an experienced team and know how to get out of two-, three-, or four-game losing streaks. The coach is there to help, but not to start their engines. It’s up to the players to push through.

A coach can prepare with video and show what the other team is doing, but ultimately, the guys have to make the decision to go. They’ve been through stretches like this before, and I have no doubt they’ll work their way out of it again.”