Oilers move Keller Yamamoto, Clem Kostin to Red Wings

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

No salary was included in the deal. Yamamoto has one year remaining on his $3.1 million contract. Kostin is a pending restricted free agent. By renouncing Yamamoto’s contract, the Oilers have nearly $8 million in cap space (per capfriendly) and further significant negotiations pending RFAs Evan Bouchard and Ryan McLeod.

Yamamoto was a first-round draft choice (22nd overall) by the Oilers in 2017 and worked his way into a top-nine role within Edmonton’s lineup. Injuries slowed his pace last season (scoring 10 goals and 25 points in 58 games), after posting a career-high 20 goals the year before.

Kostin was a first-round draft choice (31st overall) by St. Louis in 2017. He was traded to Edmonton in October and scored 11 goals and 21 points in 57 games for the Oilers last season.

Both players – who are just 24 years old – could join Detroit’s lineup immediately, providing a serious boost to the Red Wings’ top nine, in exchange for the team not having to give up any existing assets. And Edmonton gets the relief it needs to enter free agency this weekend with some breathing room.