An Edmonton Oilers fan favorite to be exported out?
The Edmonton Oilers made several strategic moves that propelled them to their impressive NHL playoff run.
Although they made some good acquisitions, it remains unclear whether those acquisitions were the right ones to secure the championship.
«In free agency, we're not in on the $4 million, $5 million or $6 million players,» Holland told Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic earlier this week. «I'm not even sure we're in on the $2.5 million or $3 million players. It'll be maybe a sixth or seventh defenceman.»
«I do know that we have to move a player out just to get cap compliant.»
«I do know that we have to move a player out just to get cap compliant.»
Klim Kostin was one of the players brought in, and he proved to be a valuable depth addition after being traded from the St. Louis Blues. In exchange, the Oilers sent Dmitri Samorukov to St. Louis in a one-for-one deal.
However, with lean times ahead, Holland will have to reassess his options and decide who will be the odd man out.
Kostin signed a team-friendly contract with the St. Louis Blues and is now eligible for arbitration.
It looks like Kostin will be qualified by Holland, as the Oilers like Kostin and his style of play. But qualifying Kostin will be risky for the Oilers who are up against the cap and he will deserve more than the league minimum next season.
DNB of The Athletic took note of Holland's press conference, and stated Kostin may be heading back to the KHL if a contract cannot be figured out.
What I'm hearing about the Oilers 2.0: Evan Bouchard offer sheet? Klim Kostin to KHL?
If the Oilers choose not to offer him a qualifying contract, he will become an unrestricted free agent and will be free to sign with any team.
Holland will be faced with the difficult task of managing multiple contracts and making tough decisions.
At this point, it is unclear whether Kostin will be signed, especially since Derek Ryan was just recently signed.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Klim Kostin should be tendered a qualifying offer? | ||
| Yes | 403 | 93.3 % |
| No | 29 | 6.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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