This in from Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now, the top Edmonton Oilers insider, news that the team is close to signing Russian forward Maxim Berezkin.

Said Stauffer on X: “Now that KHL Playoffs are over and Edmonton Oilers prospect Maxim Berezkin is a 2-time Gagarin Cup Champion with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv…don’t be surprised if the Oilers sign the 6’4″, 212 LB winger. Repped by Dan Milstein.”

Said Edmonton Sports Talk radio host Dustin Nielson: “7 goals in 64 games as a 24 year old. Did have 5 goals in the playoffs though. Big body with bottom six potential.”

My take

1. This is big news for the Oilers. If Berezkin isn’t the top power forward playing in Europe, he’s on a short list.

2. Best to count on the big man to give third line help next year. It’ll take him time to adapt to North America, NHL rinks and NHL competition. He may even need some AHl time. But there’s a player here, one who will almost certainly help the Oilers in 2026-27.

3. Berezkin had 32 points in 64 games this year, 42 in 66 last year, 30 in 62 the season before. He’s not going to light the NHL on fire with scoring. But he’s a big body who can make passes and defend. He’s been a key member of a Russian cup-winning team the past two seasons with 14 goals and eight assists in 38 playoff games.

Berezkin might well be a useful net-front player on the power play. His grinding and aggressive style could go a long way for the Oilers, who are light on size and aggression at forward just now, having lost players like Evander Kane and Dylan Holloway the past two seasons.

4. Last April, Oilers GM Stan Bowman spoke to Bob Stauffer on Oilers Now about him, saying: “He’s had a very good season We’ve been in touch with his representatives and when his season finishes 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, makes plays, comfortable with the puck. You can never have too many of those guys.”

5. Last August Berezkin said in an interview with writer Daria Tuboltseva: “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.”

This signing was already reported in April. Tuboltseva reported for R.org: “Next season, the Edmonton Oilers will have one more Russian player on their roster. As R.org has learned, Maxim Berezkin will sign with the Canadian club. The 24-year-old forward is expected to agree to a one-year entry-level contract.”

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