Edmonton Oilers winger Vasily Podkolzin is returning to the team following the sudden and unexpected death of his father, Alexander, last week.
The 24-year-old forward, had temporarily returned to his native Russia to be with his family. The news has cast a shadow over the young player’s offseason, and the Oilers put out a press release announcing he was taking a leave of absence saying:
"The Edmonton Oilers are saddened to share that Vasily Podkolzin's father Alexander tragically and suddenly passed away last night. The forward will be taking a leave of absence to return to Russia and be with his family.