The Edmonton Oilers demonstrated their commitment to this season by making significant moves at the trade deadline. They acquired Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick from the Anaheim Ducks, both of whom were retained to provide financial flexibility for the Oilers, allowing them to also add defenseman Troy Stecher to their roster. While several noteworthy transactions took place on the March 8 trade deadline, including Tomas Hertl’s blockbuster trade to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Oilers missed out on the opportunity to reacquire a beloved player from last season. The Detroit Red Wings traded forward Klim Kostin to the San Jose Sharks for minimal return, and the Oilers were unable to bring him back. Previously, the Oilers had traded Kostin alongside Kailer Yamamoto to the Red Wings before the 2023-24 season due to financial constraints, with the Red Wings subsequently signing Kostin to a two-year extension. Instead of re-signing Kostin, the Oilers pursued forward Connor Brown in free agency, hoping to bolster their forward depth and scoring. However, Brown has yet to score a goal in an Oilers uniform this season, disappointing fans who were eager for his arrival.
Kostin’s tenure with the Red Wings did not pan out as expected, as he struggled to maintain the offensive production he displayed with the Oilers last season. Despite providing added grit to the Red Wings’ lineup, they ultimately decided to part ways with him, sending him to a team widely regarded as the worst in the NHL. Given the Red Wings’ willingness to move him, the Oilers could have considered bringing him in as a replacement for Brown as the season progresses. During his time with the Oilers, Kostin showcased confidence and exceptional performance on both ends of the ice, proving to be a valuable asset during the team’s playoff push.