“I wanted to die on the ice for the fans” — Klim Kostin opens door to Edmonton Oilers reunion

Klim Kostin is really keen on making a comeback to the Edmonton Oilers, the team where he had his best NHL season. As an unrestricted free agent (UFA) heading into the 2025-26 season, Kostin opened up in a recent interview about his strong bond with the team, its fans, and the city.

This news comes just as NHL training camps are around the corner, and Kostin is still without a contract after facing some tough seasons since leaving Edmonton.

Klim Kostin says he felt most comfortable during his time with the Edmonton Oilers

In a recent interview with Sport-Express, a Russian sports media outlet, Kostin opened up about his experience with the Oilers and expressed his hope for a possible reunion.The chat was held in Russian and was subsequently translated and shared by different hockey news outlets.

Kostin told the outlet, “In Edmonton, I wanted to die on the ice for the fans. There are rumours 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.”He later added, “This is the place where I felt most comfortable with myself. In Edmonton, the fans understand hockey, they see all the little things, even if you didn’t score or make 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. It would be great to help Connor and Leon and the team win the cup, they deserve it.

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San Jose Sharks decision leaves Klim Kostin searching for his next opportunity

The remarks made by Kostin come in the future when his future in the NHL is in question. This summer he became a UFA when San Jose Sharks refused to make him a qualifying offer as a restricted free agent (RFA). This decision has cast him adrift and he is in time off contract while the 2025-26 season is near, and NHL training camps are soon to begin.

Without a deal, analysts are saying that a professional tryout (PTO) contract could be his ticket back into the league, letting him vie for a roster spot without a firm commitment.Also Read: Derek Ryan retires at 38 after 606 NHL games and remembered as the league’s only active Latter-day SaintPeople often describe the Edmonton market as intense due to its fervent fan base and the high expectations surrounding the Oilers, who have been consistent contenders in recent times. However, Kostin takes this pressure in stride, appreciating the fans for their motivating influence.