Detroit Red Wings
Red Wings to Sign Klim Kostin, Buying Out Kailer Yamamoto
The Detroit Red Wings have decided to buy out Kailer Yamamoto, along with other notable players in the NHL.
In a bit of a surprising move, the Detroit Red Wings have made the decision to buy out Kailer Yamamoto. While the team initially considered keeping him after they traded for him from the Edmonton Oilers, the tight salary cap situation ultimately forced their hand. Despite his young age and potential, Yamamoto will now hit the open market as an attractive option for other teams.
Joining Yamamoto in the buyout process are Matt Duchene of the Nashville Predators, Mike Reilly of the Boston Bruins, and Blake Wheeler of the Winnipeg Jets. All three players have been placed on unconditional waivers, with the buyout deadline set for tonight at 5 p.m. ET.
As Yamamoto is under 26 years old, his buyout costs only one-third of the remaining value. With one year left on his contract, the buyout will be spread over two years. The cap hits for the Red Wings will be $433,000 in the 2023-2024 season, resulting in $2.67 million in savings, and $533,000 in the 2024-2025 season.
Considering the impending buyout, speculation has arisen regarding the interest other teams may have in Yamamoto. Some suggest that former Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland and now-current Oilers GM should extend an offer of $1 million for a one-year contract. However, the outcome remains uncertain until official announcements are made. In fact, it’s not entirely clear if the NHL would take issue with this kind of contract or consider it cap circumvention.
Red Wings Likely to Sign Klim Kostin
In related news, it has been reported by Mark Spector that Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) has given up on signing Klim Kostin, who was recently acquired by the Red Wings. The expectation is that Kostin will sign a two-year deal with Detroit, as he was the player General Manager Yzerman truly desired. He should be signed somewhere close to the $2 million mark he was seeking from the Oilers.
As the buyout deadline approaches, the NHL landscape is experiencing notable shifts, and fans eagerly await the next set of roster moves and signings.
Next: Winnipeg Jets Buy Out Blake Wheeler’s Contract, Release Statement
