Klim Kostin

June 2023 – Kostin was traded to Detroit and signed a two-year $4M deal afterwards as he is clearly viewed as an NHL player by the Red Wings. Pat Quinn

October 2022 – Kostin has been traded to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for defenseman Dmitri Samorukov. Curtis Rines

June 2022 – It appeared that this year was a going to be a solid step forward for Kostin. The 2017 first-rounder played the most NHL games he has ever played in a season this year, totaling 40. In those 40 games he scored four goals and five assists for nine points, putting him on pace for 18 points over a full 82-game season. However, Kostin seemed to lose his spot in the lineup towards the end of the year as he was sent down to Springfield for the final 23 games of the regular season and throughout the playoffs. Overall in 17 games with the Thunderbirds, Kostin scored three goals and three assists for six points. So far in the playoffs his numbers are much better, in nine games he has matched his regular season numbers with three goals and three assists for six points. Despite his good playoff numbers, it remains to be seen where Kostin will fit on the Blues moving forward. He will need to standout next year and find more consistency, especially if he plans to pass others above him on the depth chart. As an RFA on an expiring contract, his future seems to have some question marks. Gordon Munro

October 2020 – Kostin showed promising growth in his offensive game this past year. The 6-3 forward had his best season in the AHL so far, putting up 30 points in 48 games for the San Antonio Rampage, more than doubling his points per game average from the 2018-2019 campaign. He made his NHL debut in November, and scored his first goal in his fourth game, before being sent down again to the minors. Considering that the upcoming NHL season will not start until possibly January of 2021, the Blues have loaned Kostin to Avangard Omnsk in the KHL. This gives the 2017 first rounder extended time to stay in game-shape and further his development. However, he has had limited offensive success there; totaling two assists and no goals in nine games so far. With the Blues current depth and recent additions, Kostin will have his work cut out for him when competing for a roster spot in the upcoming season, but he could put himself in a position to succeed if he finds his offensive rhythm in the KHL in the meantime. Lou Farah

September 2019 – Kostin was is headed into his DY+3 having never sniffed the NHL and having limited success in AHL action. Fortunately, Kostin has come into the preseason firing on all cylinders in hopes of cracking the opening night roster. He has always had the build of an NHL player but using it effectively and consistently has been an issue. If his performance in the preseason is any indication it seems that Kostin is eager to put last year behind him and prove that he is ready to be in the show. The winger has made his presence felt on nearly every shift and is reaping the rewards by having recorded three goals and three assists in five preseason appearances. Expect Kostin to be a favorite to be in the lineup when the Blues open up the regular season next Wednesday against the Washington Capitals. Sam Stern

March 2018 – Kostin continues to find his footing in the AHL, his first season in North America. The Russian has put up 22 points in 56 games, the vast majority being assists with 16. He’s spent periods of this season up and down the lineup from first line duties to the fourth line. Kostin doesn’t shy away from the physical play and battling for the puck along the boards. The forward has a hard shot but occasionally goes through spans of not using it enough. At just 18 the tools to be a great player are there but it’s going to take at least another full season in the AHL for a more complete game to form. Josh Epstein

December 2017 – Kostin has been transferred to Russia in order for him to play in the World Junior Championships.  Before the transfer to Russia, Kostin has played 26 games in the AHL for the San Antonio Rampage. He has a respectable two goals and nine assists. Doug Abrams

September 2017 – Kostin is having a superb preseason and training camp.  He is creating tremendous buzz among the coaching staff and hockey community, laying big hits and holding his own in bouts.  The St. Louis Blues need more team toughness and the organization is aware of that fact. Doug Abrams

March 2017 – Kostin is a big strong powerful offensive winger with a high skill set and excellent skating ability. The Russian factor should play heavily in his draft status as the CHL first overall pick in 2016 refused to report to the Kootenay Ice which should raise some red flags. Kostin has also been plagued by inconsistency, at times showing flashes of dominant upside drawing comparisons to the likes of Evgeni Malkin, and also going through uninspiring stretches where he is difficult to find in the game and has little to no impact. Kostin did come to North America to play for Russia in the Super Series but was not as dominant a factor as projected posting two points in five games, as a result he was left of the Russian World Junior team and not even invited to the pretournament selection roster. In 18 combined regular season games in three Russian leagues including the KHL, he managed just one goal and one assist before season ending injury. All in all he entered the season as a potential top ten prospect for the 2017 draft and had a very disappointing season. Still considered a first-round pick but has some serious red flags on his file and comes with boom or bust buyer beware conditions.  Peter Harling