Every year, there are always sleeper picks in the Oilers’ pipeline that grab a little buzz, and one of the names that always seems to creep back into the conversation is Maxim Beryozkin. A 2020 fifth-rounder (138th overall), he’s been a favourite for a lot of Oilers prospect-watchers for a while now. He’s got a big frame, playmaking touch, and the kind of offensive instincts that can sometimes make you think, “hey, maybe the Oilers found something here.”

This past season, Beryozkin took a significant step forward in the KHL. The 6’4 native of Chita, Russia registered 42 points (15G, 27A) in 66 regular season games with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, and another nine goals and five assists in 21 playoff games en route to winning the 2025 Gagarin Cup. That’s some decent production on the best team in that league at a point when the hockey was most important. That’s a guy who’s trending in the right direction.

The Oilers had conversations with him earlier in the year and even offered him a contract, but the young forward is not ready to make the jump — yet. According to Stan Bowman from back in April:

“He’s had a very good season. “We’ve been in touch with his representatives, and when his season finished, we’re going to buckle down on that. We’ve paid close attention, been impressed with him. He’s a little bit older, good sized kid, skilled, makes plays, comfortable with the puck and you can never have too many of those guys.”

Right now, Beryozkin is committed to staying in the KHL for another season. There, he’ll be playing under Bob Hartley, which is an interesting wrinkle, and he made it pretty clear in a recent interview with Vseprosport that he’s thinking long-term. Keep in mind, these are translated in Google so the accuracy could be spotty:

“My dream is to play in the NHL, against all these stars I have watched my whole life. I want to test myself at their level. Even if I am worse at first, I will not get upset and look for ways to improve my game.”

That’s not the kind of thing you say if you’re mailing it in overseas. At least, that’s not what the Kool-Aid loving Oilers fan in me thinks. The dream is real. The approach? Patience, and I respect it. Put another way, when you look at the Oilers’ roster right now, there is no space for Beryozkin, so staying over in Russia and continuing to work on his game while keeping his options open over here seems like a sound strategy.

Why he’s waiting

Plenty of prospects take time to get established at the pro level, and Beryozkin is an interesting case of trying to take a longer view of reaching the NHL. He knows the Oilers were ready to bring him over, and maybe even a little surprised that he said no, but from his side, the logic tracks:

“I don’t think they expected it. I was invited to join the team. We had conversations, some discussions, but I didn’t give them a clear answer. I decided to stay, and I’m sure that this is only a plus for my development. The main thing for me is to play in the NHL, and contract issues are secondary. I want to be the best version of myself every day.”

Beryozkin added that he isn’t ducking the Oilers, but rather he just doesn’t want to rush into Bakersfield and spin his wheels. He made that part pretty clear too:

“I decided to stay another year so as not to play in the AHL. [It’s] important for me to come to a full preseason and be ready.”

If my man thinks another year back home will bring him a step closer to prime time then I’m all for it. Frankly, having him stick over there for another year is probably a better option than coming over to play with the Condors and bouncing midway through the season, as we’ve seen with a handful of our European prospects over the years.

What’s next?

If things go to plan, Beryozkin would sign and come over to North America at some point next summer with the goal to attend full training camp and compete for an NHL spot outright. At that point, he’ll be 24, potentially even stronger on the puck, more complete defensively, and fully committed to making an impact without the slow build most prospects have to slog through.

Oh, and it’s also worth mentioning that he’s working on his English, too:

“I’m going to study with a tutor this year to improve my level. I can understand simple words so far, but it’s hard to speak on my own.”

Maybe I’m just bored of the lack of off-season news, but quotes like this have me pulling for the kid. He knows he’ll need to be able to communicate effectively when he finally leaves Russia, and he’s taking the steps to ensure he’s as best prepared as he possibly can be. What’s not to like about that attitude?

The Wrap

Maxim Beryozkin isn’t coming to Edmonton this year, and there’s a real chance he may not come over next either. But he’s in the system, he’s progressing, and he’s saying all the right things about wanting to play in the NHL, and that makes him a guy worth keeping tabs on in my books. We’ve seen players disappear in the KHL without a second look, so the fact that Beryozkin’s game continues to evolve and he’s still committed to the NHL path is encouraging.

Is he a sure thing? Of course not. But at this stage of his development, he’s looking to be more than just a draft-and-forget guy. If Beryozkin can keep producing offensively, has another strong season in the KHL, the Oilers could have a late-blooming option that brings size, skill, and sneaky upside to their middle six. Until then, we wait, watch, and hope the dream stays alive.

Beryozkin’s Career So Far

Season	Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM	+/-	PGP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2017-18	Yaroslavl Loko Jr.	Rus-MHL	1	0	0	0	0	-1
2018-19	Yaroslavl Loko Jr.	Rus-MHL	55	11	18	29	12	15
2019-20	Yaroslavl Loko Jr.	Rus-MHL	51	25	29	54	22	37
2019-20	Yaroslavl Lokomotiv	KHL	1	0	0	0	2	0	—	—	—	—	—
2020-21	Yaroslavl Loko Jr.	Rus-MHL	25	13	15	28	12	13
2020-21	Yaroslavl Lokomotiv	KHL	31	0	2	2	24	2	—	—	—	—	—
2021-22	Yaroslavl Lokomotiv	KHL	30	1	1	2	6	-1	1	0	0	0	0
2021-22	Yaroslavl Loko Jr.	Rus-MHL	22	13	22	35	16	27
2022-23	Yaroslavl Lokomotiv	KHL	52	7	19	26	17	5	12	2	3	5	6
2022-23	Perm Molot-Prikamye	Rus-VHL	9	3	3	6	4	2
2023-24	Yaroslavl Lokomotiv	KHL	62	8	22	30	27	0	20	5	11	16	5
2024-25	Yaroslavl Lokomotiv	KHL	66	15	27	42	18	19	21	9	5	14	8

THE #NATIONVACATION TO VANCOUVER

It’s a Battle of the West, and you’re riding shotgun with the Nation. Edmonton is heading to Vancouver and we want you in the lineup. Join The Nation crew for a weekend full of hockey, high-fives, and good ol’ fashioned rivalry.

We’re flying out to Vancouver for a showdown on October 26th, but that’s not all we’re throwing an exclusive, invite-only Nation Watch Party on Saturday night (Oct 25) as Edmonton takes on Seattle. Expect food and drink specials, giveaways, and more Nation-style chaos than a third-period line brawl.

Massive shoutout to our MVP travel star, Chelsey Labelle at Expedia Cruises North East Edmonton, for making this trip happen.

We have a package for every fan! So travel your way at NationGear.ca

Featured

Editorials

Recent articles from baggedmilk

Better Lait Than Never: No one wants to talk about Oilers silver linings after losses but I do

Oilers silver linings, Jesper Wallstedt frustration, and bright spots from the 1-0 shutout loss

Oilersnation Radio: The Oilers home stand, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ return, and Connor Clattenburg