The end result of the quarterfinal matchup between Canada and Russia at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship tournament was not what Russian captain Vasili Podkolzin was hoping for, with his team laying an egg against the host [Team Canada] on Monday.
Despite a disappointing loss, Podkolzin has a bright future to look forward to in the NHL and, as a Vancouver Canucks prospect, the allure of potentially playing alongside dynamic pivot Elias Pettersson has to be of some consolation to the 19-year-old, who is set to play Finland for the bronze medal on Tuesday.
Team Russia's tournament record aside, Podkolzin has played very well during the tournament, and has represented his country quite amicably - enough so that Canucks GM Jim Benning has begun planning for Podkolzin's arrival in Vancouver.
Per a report from TSN's Blake Price, Benning has commented that he intends to sign Podkolzin and get him to Vancouver as soon as possible.
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With Podkolzin's contract with St. Petersburg SKA set to expire at the conclusion of the current KHL season, the former 10th overall pick (2019) will be able to sign with the Canucks anytime after April 30, 2021.
The Russian winger has registered 2 goals and 6 points in 24 games with St. Petersburg this season thus far, and is currently sitting at 2 goals and 4 points in 6 games at the WJC tournament with one game remaining.
