Oilers send Yamamoto, Kostin to Red Wings

The Edmonton Oilers traded forwards Kailer Yamamoto and Klim Kostin to the Detroit Red Wings for future considerations, the clubs announced Thursday.

Yamamoto is entering the final year of his contract, which carries a $3.1-million cap hit, according to CapFriendly. He'll be eligible for restricted free agency with arbitration rights next summer.

The American winger, who'll turn 25 in late September, collected 10 goals and 15 assists while being limited to 58 games this past season. He established career highs with 20 tallies and 21 helpers in 2021-22.

Kostin is currently a pending RFA. The 24-year-old Russian registered 11 goals and 10 assists in 57 contests this season.

Oilers general manager Ken Holland said he had some competition in contract talks before opting to make the trade.

Holland says he was negotiating against the KHL on Kostin.

- Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) June 29, 2023

Kostin played eight games for Dynamo Moscow in the KHL to begin his pro career in 2016-17.

Both players were drafted in the first round in 2017. The Oilers chose Yamamoto 22nd, while the St. Louis Blues selected Kostin nine picks later. The Blues dealt him to Edmonton last October.

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