Klim Kostin opens up about his NHL future, and leaving the Edmonton Oilers
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Klim Kostin has made it very clear that he'd like to return to the Edmonton Oilers for next season.
Multiple NHL insiders have linked the Oilers to potentially having interest in Kostin on a tryout contract. Now, the 26 year old Russian forward has confirmed he'd actually prefer to return to Edmonton over any other NHL team.
Klim Kostin says he'd prefer to return to Edmonton Oilers, fans were best in NHL
In a wide-ranging interview with Russian outlet Sport Express, Kostin revealed that he does have some options to return to the NHL, but is hoping to see an offer from the Oilers.
Kostin raved about his time in Edmonton playing for passionate fans who understood the game of hockey. With a chance to win the Cup too, no team would be better than the Oilers for him.
There are offers. They talked about Los Angeles, where former Edmonton general manager Ken Holland works now. There are rumors that the Oilers might make an offer too. Of course, this is my dream. They say you can't step into the same river twice, but I would like to try my luck again. This 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. They were the ones who pushed you forward. I wanted to go out and die on the ice for these people, for their emotions.
- Klim Kostin
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. I wanted to go out and die on the ice for these people, for their emotions.
- Klim Kostin
Unfortunately, when Kostin's contract expired after a quality season in Edmonton, other teams were lining up to pay him far more than the Oilers could offer. Kostin revealed he really wanted to stay in Edmonton, but the financial difference in offers was just too big to decline.
That was the best stretch of my career. The fans supported me, I felt the love and the atmosphere - both on and off the ice. It was a real dream. It felt like I had found my place.
But when the contract ended, there was no one around to guide me on what the right move was. I chased the money. I don't regret it; the difference was just too big.
But when the contract ended, there was no one around to guide me on what the right move was. I chased the money. I don't regret it; the difference was just too big.
Kostin's 57 games with the Edmonton Oilers in the 2022-23 season truly stand out as an outlier in every category. He broke out to score 11 goals and 21 points, but after leaving, struggled to stay in the lineup with the Red Wings and Sharks.
At 6'4 and 232 pounds, Kostin can bring a physical element to the Oilers' 4th line that's currently lacking - and given the chance, he can contribute offensively. He could be a perfect fit for the Oilers on a PTO this training camp, and he's hoping for the call.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 6 | 524 ANSWERS Klim Kostin opens up about his NHL future, and leaving the Edmonton Oilers Should the Oilers bring back Klim Kostin on a tryout contract? | ||
| Yes | 477 | 91 % |
| No | 47 | 9 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
