The Vancouver Canucks have signed prospect Vasily Podkolzin to a three-year entry-level deal, the club announced Sunday.

Podkolzin, 19, was drafted by the Canucks 10th overall in the 2019 draft and has spent the last three seasons playing the Russian pro ranks.

“Vasily is a competitor who plays an aggressive game,” said Benning. “He’s effective using his size and skill to get to the net and produce offensively. We’re pleased to sign him today and look forward to adding him to our young core of skilled players.”

Over 65 KHL games in the last two seasons with SKA St. Petersburg, Podkolzin scored seven goals and 19 points. He had an offensive explosion in the playoffs this year scoring six goals and 11 points in 16 games.

The 6’1, 190 lbs. right-winger served as captain for the Russians in the 2021 world juniors in what was his third appearance in the tournament.