A report from Oilers Daily reveals that Klim Kostin, last seen in San Jose, is on track for a potential return to Edmonton—this time via a professional tryout (PTO) offer during training camp . The Oilers, having maintained a largely unchanged opening roster, seem intent on bolstering organizational depth without committing to long-term contracts.
Kostin’s appeal lies in his gritty, physical style. He already endeared himself to Edmonton fans in the 2022–23 season, when he recorded 11 goals and 21 points—more than doubling his previous career highs. His punishing presence could help fill the void left by departures like Evander Kane and Corey Perry, restoring some of the muscle the Oilers lost up front.
Analyst Kurt Leavins flagged Kostin as a candidate for one of the PTOs the Oilers might deploy this fall, possibly alongside other depth options such as Brett Leason or veteran defenseman Jon Merrill . These short-term, low-risk moves give the franchise flexibility to evaluate talent without impacting their cap or core lineup.
Still, there’s no guarantee Kostin translates his past Edmonton success into a roster spot. His time in San Jose was largely underwhelming—“a completely ineffective game” in his lone appearance—which suggests there’s still work to be done to prove he belongs in NHL action. Nevertheless, for a player known for unsettling opponents and wearing his heart on his sleeve, a PTO could be the perfect audition.
In sum, bringing Kostin back on a tryout contract makes plenty of sense for Edmonton. It gives both sides a chance to explore a reunion, offers the Oilers inexpensive reinforcement up front, and could spark another fan-favourite season—if Kostin can reignite that same intensity and consistency.
