Red Wings Add Simek From Sharks For Kostin

Klim Kostin’s time with the Detroit Red Wings was brief and now it has come to an end. In their first move of the NHL trade deadline, the Red Wings are moving forward Kostin to the San Jose Sharks for defenseman Radim Simek.

The Red Wings are also getting a seventh-round pick from the Sharks. It’s a 2024 selection that San Jose previously acquired from the New Jersey Devils.

UPDATE: The #RedWings today acquired defenseman Radim Simek and New Jersey’s 7th round pick in 2024 (previously acquired by SJ on 2/26/2023) in exchange for forward Klim Kostin. pic.twitter.com/jz8TvqozFC

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 8, 2024

It was known that Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman sought to add more surliness to his blueline corps, and Simek does answer that need. However, it must be noted that he’s a lower case version of what they need.

While the scouting report on Simek is that he’s a punishing bodychecker, he’s been delivering those hits all season long at the AHL level. The Sharks assigned Simek to the AHL San Jose Barracuda in October. He’s spent the entire 2023-24 season there.

In 209 NHL games over five seasons with the Sharks, the six-foot, 204-pound left shot has dished out 419 hits. He’s not going to be a defender who chips in on the offensive end. Simek has 7-22-29 offensive totals as an NHLer.

Simek Displays Leadership Ability

The veteran defender was serving as captain of the Barracuda. “He’s a great pro and he has had a positive influence on all the players and staff,” Barracuda coach John McCarthy said.

“His professional approach on a daily basis is contagious,” added Barracuda GM Joe Will.

Still, it’s fair to wonder how a defenseman who couldn’t crack the lineup of the Sharks, the NHL’s worst team, is going to help the Red Wings in their drive for the playoffs. It’s more likely that he’ll be filling a depth role and playing in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Simek will give Detroit a veteran NHL presence along the rearguard down on the farm. That’s something the Griffins have been lacking this season.

Kostin, Red Wings Never Seemed A Fit

While Kostin was delivering a physical element to the Detroit forward group, he wasn’t beringing much else to the ice. His stats line is showing 3-1-4 totals with 38 penalty minutes over 33 games.

Klim Kostin, acquired by SJ, is a low-event bottom six checking winger. Has some scoring touch but his production regressed a lot in a small role with the Red Wings this season. #SJSharks pic.twitter.com/ExLFRdGNzT

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) March 8, 2024

When not injured, Kostin was bouncing between fourth-line player and healthy scratch. He was sitting out as the extra forward in eight of the last nine Red Wings games.