The Edmonton Oilers are poised to add significant European talent to their roster. According to team insider Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now, the organization is close to signing Russian forward Maxim Berezkin. The news comes shortly after the conclusion of the KHL playoffs, where Berezkin secured his second consecutive Gagarin Cup championship with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv.
Stauffer's Report
Stauffer announced 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.” This update has generated considerable excitement among Oilers fans.
Scouting the Player
Berezkin, 24, is a physically imposing forward known for his size and two-way play. While his regular-season scoring totals are modest—7 goals in 64 games this past season—he has shown an ability to elevate his game in the playoffs, notching 5 goals in the postseason. Edmonton Sports Talk host Dustin Nielson described him as a “big body with bottom six potential.”
Despite the moderate point production, Berezkin is regarded as one of the top power forwards currently playing in Europe. His combination of size, defensive responsibility, and playmaking ability makes him an intriguing prospect for the Oilers.
What This Means for the Oilers
If signed, Berezkin is expected to provide depth in the bottom six forward group. However, analysts caution that he will need time to adjust to the smaller North American rinks and the faster pace of the NHL. It is possible he could begin the season in the AHL to acclimate before contributing at the NHL level.
Over the past three KHL seasons, Berezkin has posted 32 points in 64 games (2025-26), 42 in 66 games (2024-25), and 30 in 62 games (2023-24). While he is unlikely to be an offensive star in the NHL, his size and defensive awareness could make him a valuable asset. In the KHL playoffs over the last two championship runs, he has recorded 14 goals and 8 assists in 38 games, underscoring his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Management's Perspective
Last April, Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman discussed Berezkin with Stauffer on Oilers Now: “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.”
Berezkin himself has expressed a strong desire to play in the NHL. In an interview with writer Daria Tuboltseva last August, he said: “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.”
Looking Ahead
The Oilers are expected to finalize the signing in the coming weeks. Berezkin's arrival would add another dimension to the team's forward group, providing size and a strong work ethic. While he may not make an immediate impact, his potential to develop into a reliable third-line contributor makes this a move worth watching.
More details will emerge as the signing becomes official. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
