Podkolzin was called up from AHL Abbotsford on Friday as part of a group of Black Aces that includes Arshdeep Bains, Linus Karlsson, Danila Klimovich, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Aatu Raty, Max Sasson, Nick Cicek, Matt Irwin, Cole McWard, Christian Wolanin, Zach Sawchenko and defenseman Elias Pettersson.
Podkolzin had two assists in 19 contests with the Canucks during the regular season. He also recorded 28 points in 44 regular-season AHL outings and an assist in three AHL playoff appearances this year. Abbotsford has been eliminated from playoff contention, which is what prompted this move. However, none of the players that were promoted Friday are likely to factor into the Canucks' playoff run unless Vancouver runs into injury problems.