Yaroslav Kosov

June 2018 – Russian media is reporting that the Panthers are trying to get the big Russian winger over to North America this summer. Kosov, who turns 25 next month, has played six full seasons in the KHL but his career high is just 14 points which he managed to do this past season in 38 games split between Metallurg Magnitogorsk and Ak Bars Kazan. Kosov has won the KHL Championship three times already, with the most recent one coming this season with Ak Bars Kazan. Kosov scored five points in 11 playoff games.  Jokke Nevalainen

Oct 2017 – Kosov has played his entire career in the KHL since being drafted by the Panthers in 2011. He signed a two-year deal in the KHL before the 2016-17 season but it’s reported that he has an out clause after year one. He could consider coming to the NHL as soon as next season and battling for a bottom-six spot but that could be tough sledding. He’s never had more than nine points in a KHL season before. – Joel Henderson

May 2015 -The 2014-15 season has been similar to last season for the young Panther prospect. He has not shown as much production as the organization likely had hoped for. Through 45 games with Metallurg of the KHL he has only four goals and four assists. The lack of offensive development is starting to be a concern the Florida Panthers, however a fellow big bodied, talented Russian Valeri Nichushkin also struggled to produce much offense in the KHL until getting an opportunity in the NHL where his game was better suited. Lee Rayson

February 2014 – Kosov has struggled again this year for Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL) with just four points in 28 games. His struggles resulted in a demotion to the VHL (second highest level of Russian hockey, not a junior league like the MHL, but some KHL teams have affiliations with the VHL). Nathan Kanter

June 2013 – Kosov wrapped up his second professional season playing in the KHL with Metallurg Magnitogorsk and was unable to improve on his totals from the previous year. After nine points in 27 games in 2011-12, he had just seven in 40 games this past season. He has gone pointless in the playoffs both seasons. Kosov did make Russia’s world junior squad for the second straight year and he has posted four points in seven games both times. The winger certainly still needs time to develop and having yet to be signed by the Panthers, will likely stay in Russia for at least another year. He does have the size and know-how to succeed at the NHL level, but for know it’s just likely going to be a bit of a wait. Nathan Kanter

November 2012 – Russian power forward Yaroslav Kosov is a treat to watch given his massive size and great skating ability. He is able to break past opposing defenders with his quick powerful stride and dominates in the puck possession game with his ability to use his large frame. Kosov is skating with the Russian national junior team in the six-game SUBWAY Super Series and has shown well. Look for the Panters 5th round selection (2011) to earn a spot on the 2013 World Junior Championship Russian squad. Brendan Ross