Former Edmonton Oilers winger, Klim Kostin has been linked to return to the capital of Alberta all summer, with fans and media alike partnering them up together and creating rumours.
In a recent interview with Alexey Shevchenko with the Russian outlet, Sport Express it seems that Kostin himself would like to return too. The Russian winger is eyeing a National Hockey League (NHL) contract but with time running out for training camps to start, the pressure is on.
One of the most fun parts of the offseason is when European players (particularly from Russia) return home and give candid interviews in their native language.
This has resulted in some funny and blunt quotes in the past with players taking parting shots or giving their own sides to conflicts.
Kostin linked to Oilers
In the case of Kostin, it makes sense why he might wish to reunite with the Oilers, who he was traded to back in 2022. At 26 years old and having spent most of his career on the fringes of an NHL job, he was most successful in his time in Oil country.
He spoke fondly of his time with the Oilers, specifically about the fans and their passion for hockey and their club "I wanted to go out and die on the ice for these people, for their emotions."
The former first round pick back in 2017 has played 190 NHL games spread out over six seasons with the St. Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks, and of course the Oilers.
In that time he has scored 53 points (25 goals and 28 assists). As an Oiler, played 57 games scoring 11 goals and 10 assists for 21 points in 2022-23 while playing a bottom-six role with the club.
As an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) in 2023, he left the Oilers and inked a two-year contract with the Red Wings carrying a $2 million annual average value (AAV). This deal provided him with some much needed certainty and stability, or so he thought.
After only 33 games in 'hockey town', Kostin was sent packing to the Sharks after he was supposedly pressured into becoming an enforcer for the Wings, who used him sparingly as a fourth line grinder, with his stats reflecting that scoring only four points and 38 penalty minutes in his time there.
In his interview the Sport Express, Kostin said on his time with Detroit "I was counting on another role, I signed the contract with the hope of playing but after after arrival they made it clear: your task is to fight".
Although there is no denying that he has more to give and does play with an edge, it is understandable why things did not work out for Kostin. In Edmonton, if he can find another opportunity with the team, likely on a professional try-out contract (PTO) he could be a good fit.
He also spoke about a potential opportunity to play with the Los Angeles Kings, and be reunited with former Oilers general manager, Ken Holland. As of now, this is all just rumours but with mere weeks away from the start of training camp and the NHL season.