The Edmonton Oilers are a hot destination for NHL players these days, but one Russian in particular has his heart set on the city.
Klim Kostin spent just a single season in the Alberta capital during the 2022-23 season, but the 26-year-old was able to get a lot done in that lone campaign. He quickly gained a reputation among Oilers fans as being a hard-nosed player with an incredible work ethic and willingness to do whatever the team needed from him.
That made him a fan favourite with the team, even though he was traded in the summer of 2023 in a cap dump move to the Detroit Red Wings along with Kailer Yamamoto.
Kostin is now without an NHL contract and recently gave an interview with a Russian outlet called Sports Express, where he talked about his love of the Oilers and how badly he wants to get another chance in Edmonton.
“There are rumours that the Oilers might make an offer too. Of course, this is my dream,” Kostin said in a translated version of the interview. “[Edmonton] is the place where I felt most comfortable and was myself.
“In Edmonton, the fans understand hockey; they see all the little things: even if you didn’t score or made a mistake, but you gave it your all, they appreciated it… I wanted to go out and die on the ice for these people.”
Those are some very positive words from the young Russian, but when you look at his career stats, it starts to make a lot more sense. That single season with the Oilers saw Kostin post career highs in goals (11), assists (10), and points (21). He added five points in 12 playoff games that year as well.
Kostin has struggled to reach those totals since leaving Edmonton. Most recently, he spent last season playing with the San Jose Sharks, putting up just a measly one goal and seven points in 35 games.
Those aren’t great numbers, and it feels far-fetched that a contending team like the Oilers would be jumping at the chance to sign a fringe NHLer coming off a disappointing season. Still, Kostin says he has gotten interest from another potential playoff team in the LA Kings, who are managed by ex-Oilers GM Ken Holland.
A straight-out contract is unlikely for Kostin in Edmonton, but he could be a potential PTO option closer to training camp. Only time will tell if the Russian will find his way back to Alberta.