Oilers seek Klim Kostin reunion in strategic trade with Ducks to bolster playoff ambitions
The Edmonton Oilers find themselves at a pivotal crossroads as they navigate the complexities of their roster and salary cap. With star player Connor McDavid poised for a substantial contract extension and Leon Draisaitl entering a new deal, the urgency to secure value contracts has never been more pronounced. As several contracts are set to expire at the end of this season, the Oilers are considering strategic moves to fortify their playoff aspirations.
Trade Proposal with the Ducks
In an ambitious proposal, Heavy.com suggests a salary dump trade with the Anaheim Ducks that could pave the way for a much-anticipated reunion with forward Klim Kostin. This potential deal would see the Oilers offload two players while simultaneously unlocking critical cap space to enhance their roster.
Under the terms of the proposal, the Ducks would receive Troy Stecher, a 31-year-old right-handed defenseman with 12 years of NHL experience. Stecher, who stands at 5-foot-10 and weighs 184 pounds, played 66 games last season with the Oilers, contributing seven points to the team. An undrafted prospect, he initially signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks and has since played for the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Arizona Coyotes.
The Ducks would also acquire Mattias Janmark, a 32-year-old forward who brings a wealth of experience to the table. Drafted 79th overall by the Red Wings in 2013, Janmark has participated in 637 career games, including 113 playoff appearances—valuable experience for a Ducks team eager to instill a winning mentality.
This trade proposal would free up approximately $2,237,500 in cap space for the Oilers, increasing their total available salary to $2.46 million. This financial flexibility would be crucial in securing a low-cost deal for Kostin.
The Case for Klim Kostin
Klim Kostin’s previous stint with the Oilers showcased his potential, as he posted an impressive 11 goals, 21 points, and 157 hits over 57 games. His desire to return to Edmonton adds another layer of intrigue to the situation. In a recent interview with Alexey Shevchenko of Sport Express, a Russian sports outlet, Kostin expressed his strong interest in rejoining the Oilers.
“There are offers. They talked about Los Angeles, where former Edmonton general manager Ken Holland works now,” Kostin stated, hinting at the competitive nature of the offseason market. “There are rumors that the Oilers might make an offer too. Of course, this is my dream.”
Kostin’s fondness for Edmonton is evident, as he reflected on his time there with warmth. “I would like to try my luck again. This is the place where I felt most comfortable and was myself,” he shared. He underscored the connection he felt with the fans: “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. They were the ones who pushed you forward.”
His commitment to the team and community resonates deeply, as he declared, “I wanted to go out and die on the ice for these people.” This kind of dedication is precisely the type of energy the Oilers are looking to infuse into their lineup as they gear up for the upcoming season.
Future Considerations for the Oilers
As the Oilers evaluate their roster, speculation is growing regarding the potential for roster changes before the regular season commences. Allan Mitchell of The Athletic has suggested that Stecher may be vulnerable to the waiver wire. Additionally, Bob Stauffer, host of Oilers Now, has alluded to the likelihood of Janmark being moved as part of broader efforts to create cap space.
“It’s our belief that the Oilers are not done, that you may see between now and when we drop the puck for the first game of the regular season, a change in the lineup,” Stauffer remarked on August 7.
As the Oilers strategize their next moves, the prospect of reuniting with Klim Kostin could play a pivotal role in shaping their playoff ambitions. With the right adjustments, the Oilers aim to solidify their competitive edge in the fiercely contested landscape of the NHL.
