San Jose Sharks acquire Klim Kostin from the Detroit Red Wings for Radim Simek
By Conor Power
The first trade deadline day deal for the San Jose Sharks was made when Mike Grier and Steve Yzerman made a deal to send Czech defenseman and San Jose Barracuda captain Radim Simek to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for forward Klim Kostin. The Sharks also sent the New Jersey Devils seventh-round draft pick to the Red Wings in this deal. It was previously acquired in the Timo Meier trade.
Klim Kostin is a former Edmonton Oilers forward that has struggled to produce offensively this season. But at 6'4, 230 lbs, he offers the size that head coach David Quinn so desperately wanted for his bench. We know that this team is undersized according to the coach, and Kostin is a fix to that. His offensive issues do not help the scoring problems that the organization have, but he is very much able to outmuscle his opponents whern the Sharks need him to.
In 33 games this season, Kostin has scored three goals and tallied an assist for four points. It's not good enough, but he's been sat down the lineup in Detroit. With more ice time and unique opportunities, he may get more production. He'll make $2 million against the cap this year and next, and he has the ability to play both wings, making him a good fit for an organization still unsure on its future.
As for Simek, the undrafted defenseman signed with the Sharks many years ago. He's got 4 goals and 12 assists for 16 points in 40 games with the Barracuda. We will see if he is able to get back into the NHL with the Red Wings who cleared cap space for any other additions they may want to look at. Kostin can be flipped next year when his deal is expiring, and Simek provides defensive depth for a playoff run. Good trade for both sides.