Klim Sergeyevich Kostin Bio
Klim Sergeyevich Kostin is a Russian professional ice hockey winger who currently plays for Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Selected 31st overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Kostin made his NHL debut in 2019 and has competed for several teams across both the NHL and KHL. After years in North American hockey, he returned to Russia in November 2025 to join Avangard Omsk for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
Early Life and Background
Kostin was born on 5 May 1999 in Penza, Russia. He grew up in the city where his family owned and operated a butcher shop. At the age of 12, Kostin made a significant decision to move to Moscow to further his hockey career, living with his grandmother while enrolling in the Dynamo Moscow youth program. This early commitment to his sport set the foundation for his future as a professional athlete.
Path to Hockey
Kostin began his junior hockey career with HC MVD in the Junior Hockey League (MHL) during the 2015-16 season. In 30 games, he demonstrated his playmaking abilities by scoring 8 goals and recording 13 assists for 21 total points. He was selected first overall in the 2016 CHL Import Draft by the Kootenay Ice of the Western Hockey League (WHL), a major junior league in Canada. However, Kostin chose to remain in Russia with Dynamo Moscow rather than pursue the junior league path in North America, preferring to develop toward senior professional hockey.
The 2016-17 season was cut short when Kostin suffered a shoulder injury requiring surgery in January, limiting him to just 18 games split between Dynamo Moscow and their junior affiliate Dynamo Balashikha. Despite the injury-shortened season, he was ranked the number one European skater by NHL Central Scouting. He was described as a power forward with a combination of size and mobility, capable of scoring and creating opportunities for teammates.
Klim Sergeyevich Kostin Career
St. Louis Blues Era (2017–2022)
Kostin was selected with the final pick of the first round, 31st overall, by the St. Louis Blues in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Following the draft, Dynamo Moscow released all their players due to a KHL rules violation on 4 July 2017. One day later, Kostin signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Blues. He expressed his desire to play in the NHL during the 2017-18 season, though he was open to assignment in the American Hockey League (AHL) if necessary. He had no interest in returning to junior-level hockey.
After developing in the Blues organization for several years, Kostin made his NHL debut during the 2019-20 season. He scored his first career NHL goal on 23 November 2019 in a 4-2 loss to the Nashville Predators. Throughout his time with the Blues, he split seasons between the NHL roster and AHL affiliate Springfield Thunderbirds.
Edmonton Oilers (2022–2023)
Entering the 2022-23 season, his sixth year within the Blues organization, Kostin was unable to secure a spot on the opening night roster and was placed on waivers. He was re-assigned to the AHL affiliate Springfield Thunderbirds before being traded to the Edmonton Oilers on 9 October 2022 in exchange for fellow Russian Dmitri Samorukov. The Oilers immediately assigned him to continue in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors. On 9 November, Kostin received a call-up to the Oilers after left winger Evander Kane suffered an injury.
Detroit Red Wings (2023–2024)
On 29 June 2023, Kostin was traded to the Detroit Red Wings along with Kailer Yamamoto in exchange for future considerations. While initially not tendered a qualifying offer by the Red Wings, Kostin signed a two-year, $4 million contract with Detroit on 1 July 2023, the opening day of free agency.
San Jose Sharks (2024–2025)
On 8 March 2024, Kostin was traded to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Radim Simek and a 2024 seventh-round draft pick. On 29 November 2024, Kostin achieved a Gordie Howe hat trick in an 8-5 victory over the Seattle Kraken. He scored a goal in the first period, assisted on a Mikael Granlund goal in the second period, and fought Will Borgen in the third period.
Avangard Omsk Return (2025–Present)
On 3 November 2025, Kostin returned to the Kontinental Hockey League, signing with Avangard Omsk for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. This move marked his return to Russian hockey after several years competing in the NHL.
Klim Sergeyevich Kostin International Career
Kostin has represented Russia at multiple international under-18 tournaments. At the 2016 IIHF World U18 Championships, he served as captain of the Russian team, recording four assists in five games as the team finished in sixth place. Later that same year, he captained Russia at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, a prestigious under-18 competition. He contributed four goals and three assists in five games, helping the team win a bronze medal. He also participated in the CHL Canada/Russia Series, scoring two points across five games.
Playing Style and Strengths
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 232 pounds, Kostin brings significant size to the winger position. His combination of size, puckhandling ability, and playmaking skills has defined his style throughout his career. He has been described as a power forward capable of contributing offensively while also engaging physically. His international experience as a team captain demonstrated his leadership qualities.
Notable Milestones
Kostin’s career highlights include being ranked the top European skater prospect before the 2017 NHL Draft, achieving a Gordie Howe hat trick in the NHL, and earning a bronze medal at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. His return to Avangard Omsk in November 2025 represents a new chapter in his professional career after years competing in North America.
Klim Sergeyevich Kostin Family
Family Background
Kostin was born and raised in Penza, Russia, where his family operated a butcher shop in the city. At age 12, he moved to Moscow to pursue his hockey career, living with his grandmother while training with the Dynamo Moscow program.
Personal Life
Despite his professional commitments, Kostin has maintained connections to his Russian roots throughout his career. His early decision to move to Moscow at a young age demonstrated his dedication to hockey from a young age.
2025-26 Season Performance
Following several seasons in the NHL with various organizations, Kostin returned to Russia in November 2025, signing with Avangard Omsk for the remainder of the 2025-26 KHL season. The move brought him back to familiar territory in his home country after years of developing and competing in North American hockey. Avangard Omsk provides him an opportunity to establish himself as a consistent performer in the KHL while playing for a team with a strong regional following.