Maxim Berezkin is offering Kris Knoblauch a new option for the wing position, as the Oilers are now likely to sign him on a one-year entry-level contract.
That’s the main point here. It’s not just a minor update about a prospect; it’s a team move that could finally turn the Oilers’ long-held draft players into a real competition when training camp starts.
Berezkin was chosen by Edmonton as the 138th pick overall in the 2020 draft, but the wait for him has been long since he continued playing in Lokomotiv Yaroslavl’s organization. Now, it seems that chapter is coming to a close.
The timing is key. Pro Hockey Rumors shared last month that Berezkin was likely to make the switch to North America next season, and this aligns with the new report that Edmonton plans to sign him.
He’s not just coming in based on expectations. Berezkin scored 32 points in 64 games in the KHL during the 2025-26 season and added 2 points in 4 playoff games for Lokomotiv.
Before that, he had an even more impressive offensive year in 2024-25, where he racked up 42 points in 66 games and helped Lokomotiv win the Gagarin Cup. This success is the reason Edmonton has been willing to wait for him.
Edmonton might finally reap the rewards of its patience. Berezkin will turn 25 in October, which is not the typical age for a teenager making a transition with a lot of time to develop. He’s an older winger coming in with professional experience and a real chance to compete for a spot in the NHL quickly.
Maxim Berezkin is expected to sign with the Edmonton Oilers for next season on a one-year entry-level contract. The Russian winger is ready for his NHL shot after years in Lokomotiv’s system. Full story: https://t.co/J0DJjuFBWM
— RG (@TheRGMedia) April 7, 2026
This makes him an interesting addition for the Oilers. Over the past year, Edmonton has been focusing on getting more value from older prospects and depth forwards instead of holding out for long-term potential.
Berezkin also has a different body type compared to many skilled players. Standing at 6-foot-4, he provides the Oilers with another winger who can reach the puck and protect it, not just a fast player racing through open ice.
That’s why this is more important than just a quick contract update. Edmonton doesn’t want another player who just grabs attention at rookie camp but then fades away. It needs someone who can earn a spot on the team and keep it.
The Oilers understand the risks too. Last year, Berezkin had a big increase in scoring, and his regular season for 2025-26 was solid, but not outstanding. So, this is still a gamble on whether he can keep performing, not a sure thing.
However, the reason this story is gaining attention is clear. Berezkin has already done the tough work by spending years in Lokomotiv’s system instead of just showing off for one month and then vanishing.
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