EDMONTON – You can never have too much depth.
The Edmonton Oilers' depth has been crucial in the playoffs. Corey Perry, Adam Henrique, Connor Brown, and Kasperi Kapanen have been producing timely goals and holding their own defensively.
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Elsewhere, the Oilers have a prospect participating in the KHL playoffs. Maxim Beryozkin and Yaroslavl Lokomotiv are one win away from claiming the Gagarin Cup in a best-of-seven series against Chelyabinsk Traktor.
Beryozkin has had a great season, breaking milestones and progressively improving his play and production.
Here are three reasons why the Oilers will sign him sooner rather than later.
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Beryozkin Has An Expiring Contract
The most obvious reason the Oilers will be able to sign Beryozkin is that he won’t be signed in the KHL for much longer. His KHL contract will expire on May 31st, 2025. At the time of this writing, there is no extension in place to remain in the KHL.
Beryozkin Elevated His Performance In The KHL Playoffs
Beryozkin has been a full-time KHL player for three seasons. Each year, he has increased his offensive production. In 2024-25, he finished the year with 15 goals, 27 assists, and 42 points in 66 games. He also fired 143 shots on goal, threw 63 hits, and played 15:55 a night.
He’s taken things up a notch with his play during the KHL playoffs.
Beryozkin has 14 points in 20 games, nine of which are goals. He’s remained consistent with his shooting rate, having fired 46 shots on net. He’s increased his physical intensity (41 hits) while playing almost two additional minutes per game (17:43).
Beryozkin Is An NHL-Ready Prospect
The 23-year-old Russian winger is built to withstand the rigors of the NHL physically. According to his player profile on the KHL website, he is 211 lbs (96 kg) and a shade over 6-foot-3 (192 cm).
Beryozkin has increased his hitting rate from around one hit per game to over two hits per game. This is hard to do if you aren’t up to the task physically.
The problem with most prospects who try to make it into the NHL isn’t their skill-level, it’s handling the physical toll that playing against men every day takes on your body. Being able to withstand a long season (and postseason) while ramping up your physical play should be all that Oilers management and fans need to hear to get excited about Beryozkin.
Of course, it takes two to tango, and Beryozkin and his camp need to be interested in crossing the pond to play in North America. However, the Oilers could have an inexpensive impact player on their hands.
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