St. Louis Blues: Klim Kostin Will Play In The NHL But Don't Expect Much Time

The St. Louis Blues signed one of their first round picks to his entry-level contract already. Fans should pull on the reigns just a bit though.

The St. Louis Blues came to terms with Klim Kostin on a three year, entry-level contract on July 5. That has many Blues fans already wanting to pencil him into the lineup.

It might be best to pump the breaks on that idea. It has nothing to do with talent or a lack thereof. It has more to do with the Blues not wanting to rush anything.

Kostin’s situation is quite different than other entry level deals in terms of starting a clock. Still, he is not going to be thrust right into an NHL role that quickly.

Kostin was able to sign his first NHL deal because of an odd instance in Russia. Dynamo Moscow’s ownership was changed and the new owners almost immediately released everyone from their contracts because they said they would not pay them.

How that situation resolves itself is beyond me, but it doesn’t matter for this discussion. Kostin became a free agent and the Blues were able to sign him with no worries of Russian interference.

Kostin has basically said from the start that he was going to play in the NHL next season. If that did not happen, he would play in the AHL.

He is almost certainly going to see some NHL time in 2017-18. It’s just not likely to be anything extended unless the Blues have a rash of injuries or he flat out gives the team no alternative but to play him.

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As mentioned, the Blues don’t have to worry about a clock with Kostin. They cannot send him to a junior team, so he doesn’t get the usual nine game window like Alex Pietrangelo got way back in 2008-09 and again in 2009-10.

As long as Kostin is playing professionally, this year will count against his three year deal. That does not mean the Blues are in a rush.

The team is high on him, there is no doubt. They’re also going to be smart about his progression.

At 6’3, he’s got plenty of height for today’s game. At 197 lbs, he needs to fill out a little bit though.

He’s never played the “North American style”, so that will take some getting used to. He’s never played a full slate either.

The last time Kostin even played 40 games was 2015-16. You have to combine his junior season with some international tournaments to even get that high a total.

The talent is there. You have to figure the presence of Vladimir Tarasenko will help ease any culture shock.

The only issue the Blues have right now is how much pressure goes on Kostin. He’s probably going to be punching above his weight class no matter what.

The Blues have no affiliates at any level. So, he’s either going to an ECHL team that has no connection to the Blues or an AHL team that might not play the Blues style.

It also boils down to what the Blues want to pay. Entry-level deals are quite dependent on bonuses met for certain statistical achievements. If he’s not lighting it up, the Blues might want to keep his salary lower by staying in the minors.

That’s why we should not expect to see too much of him at the NHL level right away. At this point, I think the Blues just want to get him acclimated to America and the North American game.

Perhaps I’ll be wrong. It would not be the first time.

Kostin might impress at the prospects tournament in Traverse City in September. Perhaps he’ll be the next Robby Fabbri, who just doesn’t give the team any choice but to keep him.

I actually think Kostin starts the year in the ECHL though. If he does well or if it becomes an unsatisfactory situation like the one with Husso, he’ll be moved up level.

The Blues are going to take it slow though. It’s best to not have too many expectations of seeing him suit up for too long this season.

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St. Louis Blues: Klim Kostin Will Play In The NHL But Don’t Expect Much Time

By Todd Panula | Jul 6, 2017

The St. Louis Blues signed one of their first round picks to his entry-level contract already. Fans should pull on the reigns just a bit though.