Ken Holland dumps Yamamoto and Kostin for literally nothing

According to a report from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Edmonton Oilers and Detroit Red Wings are close to finalizing a deal involving 24 year old forward Kailer Yamamoto.

From Friedman:

UPDATE: It's official, the Oilers have shipped Yamamoto and Klim Kostin to the Detroit Red Wings for... nothing.

Check it out:

More to come on this developing story.

NHL insider Pierre LeBrun is reporting that the Oilers have not retained any salary in the deal, meaning that Oilers GM Ken Holland just cleared up a decent chunk of salary cap cash. Yamamoto's $3.1 million contract for the 2023-24 season is gone and it remains to be seen what kind of savings the Oilers get by trading Kostin, seeing as how he's an RFA and unsigned for next season. The Oilers now have approximately $8 million in salary cap space to sign five to six roster players for the upcoming season.

So, the Oilers get to clear the decks a bit which should make GM Ken Holland's offseason a little easier.

As for the Red Wings, I think this is yet another fleece job by GM Steve Yzerman. He acquired two 24 year old forwards with upside for literally nothing. Yamamoto had an off season in 2022-23, but he's a former 20 goal scorer and is signed for just one more season. If he flames out in Detroit this upcoming season, the Red Wings can simply walk away from him and there's nothing lost. Personally though, I think he'll have a bit of a bounce back campaign given his skill and the increased opportunity that he's likely to receive with a young Red Wings squad. As for Kostin, his value in this deal will very much be tied to the contract he signs. The big Russian forward broke out a bit with the Oilers this past season and did a great job filling the role vacated by former Oilers forward Zack Kassian. He plays the body, isn't afraid of anyone or anything and is a coach's dream. I could see him becoming a fan favorite in the Motor City.