Avalanche Draft Profile: Klim Kostin

Get to Know Klim Kostin

Date of Birth: May 5, 1999
Place of Birth: Penza, Russia
Ht: 6’3″  Wt: 196 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: Right Wing
Team (League): Dynamo Moskow (KHL)

Statistics

What Scouts See

Klim Kostin is ranked anywhere from 14-21 on most scouts’ rankings and he’s also ranked as the No. 1 European skater on NHL Central Scouting.

From NHL.com’s Mike Morreale:

“A big (6-3, 196), strong left-shot forward with very good puck control and skating ability. He knows how to use his size and strength when skating toward the net and has good drive and determination. He’s expected to miss about three months because of a shoulder injury.”

From futuresconsiderations.com:

“A big-bodied power winger with strong work ethic…he can dominate for stretches with his cycle game and puck-protection skills…can carry defenders around the ice with his power and balance, or stickhandle around them with a deke or two as he goes to the net…high-energy guy, always keeps his feet moving…possesses a very quick release and has great shot selection…heads-up player who has a great work ethic and leads by example”

What BSN Avalanche sees

Kostin started his draft year as one of the top prospects in the draft. At one point, TSN’s Bob McKenzie had Kostin as high as No. 3. A season where he bounced around between three different leagues (KHL, VHL and MHL) as well as dealing with injuries, Kostin slid down the draft boards. He never played more than eight minutes in the KHL and that lead to him not able to register a single point in Russia’s top league. He’s is still a great skater for his age and size, he has solid hands and when playing with competition his age he had great decision making. There’s a lot to like about Kostin but he’s still a project and there’s no guarantee that he comes to North America, having declined to play for the Kootenay Ice after being drafted first overall in the CHL import draft.

Highlights

NHL Potential

With his size and skating ability, Kostin definitely has top 6 ability in the NHL, whether he ever makes it is a different question.

How Prospect Fits in Avalanche Organization

The Avalanche would have to trade back into the first round to grab him but he would be a long term project for the Avs but he could end up being one of those Russian secret weapons.