The Edmonton Oilers are poised to bolster their prospect pipeline with a significant international signing, as insider reports suggest the team has reached an agreement with Russian winger Maxim Beryozkin (also spelled Berezkin). The 23-year-old power forward, drafted 138th overall in 2020, has emerged as one of the Oilers’ most promising unsigned prospects, and General Manager Stan Bowman has hinted at an aggressive push to bring him to North America .
The Deal and Insider Insights
According to multiple sources, including Bowman’s recent interview on Oilers Now, negotiations with Beryozkin’s representatives are nearing completion. Bowman emphasized, “We’ve paid close attention, been impressed with him. He’s a little bit older, good-sized kid, makes plays, comfortable with the puck. You can never have too many of those guys” . The deal is expected to be finalized once Beryozkin’s KHL contract with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl expires in late April 2025, aligning with the Oilers’ urgency to add size and skill to their prospect pool .
Beryozkin’s Rise in the KHL
Standing at 6’4” and 212 lbs, Beryozkin combines a rare blend of physicality and offensive flair. This season, he tallied 42 points (14 goals, 28 assists) in 66 regular-season games and shone in the playoffs with 16 points in 20 games, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer . His development trajectory has been steep: from a part-time KHL role in his draft year to becoming Lokomotiv’s second-leading scorer this season .
Scouting reports highlight his elite puck protection, power-play versatility, and improved skating for a player of his size. However, analysts note he must refine his consistency and defensive engagement to thrive in the NHL .
Why Beryozkin Fills a Critical Need for Edmonton
The Oilers’ prospect pool lacks high-ceiling wingers with Beryozkin’s attributes. As highlighted by The Athletic, he is the most “NHL-ready” forward in their system, offering a physical, net-front presence that contrasts with smaller prospects like Xavier Bourgault and Tyler Tullio . His size and board play could address Edmonton’s struggles against physical teams like the Vancouver Canucks, who have exploited the Oilers’ lack of grit in recent playoff series .
Bowman’s urgency to sign Beryozkin also reflects the organization’s mixed history with Russian prospects. Since 2012, only a handful (e.g., Anton Slepyshev) have made NHL impacts, but Beryozkin’s maturity and KHL success suggest he could break the trend .
Challenges and Timeline
While the deal appears imminent, hurdles remain. Beryozkin must adapt to North American ice and prove his work ethic, which scouts have occasionally criticized as inconsistent . Additionally, the Oilers’ AHL affiliate in Bakersfield is already crowded with wingers, necessitating potential trades to clear space .
If signed, Beryozkin could compete for a bottom-six NHL role as early as 2025–26, with a ceiling as a top-nine power forward. His arrival would complement Edmonton’s core of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, offering much-needed depth for sustained playoff runs .
The Bigger Picture
This signing underscores Bowman’s strategy to replenish the prospect cupboard after years of draft capital spent on win-now trades. Beryozkin joins goalie Samuel Jonsson and college standout Matt Copponi as part of a broader push to infuse youth into an aging roster . For Oilers fans, this move signals a commitment to balancing immediate contention with long-term sustainability—a critical step in extending the McDavid-Draisaitl era.
Stay tuned for official confirmation from the Oilers as Beryozkin’s KHL season concludes.
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