St. Louis Blues: Five Things We Must Know By End Of 2017 Preseason

Klim Kostin’s Viability

It might seem too soon, but we need to know where Klim Kostin stands at this point in his career.

As fans, we are admittedly starting to range into European soccer territory. We want these guys to be superstars and just know how to get it all done at the age of 18 or 19.

The reality is that just does not happen often. Say what you want about the guy, but Sydney Crosby is the exception not the rule when it comes to guys that young contributing at high levels that young.

With that in mind, we still need to know what the team’s plan is for Kostin. If he’s going to play in the AHL, so be it. Let him learn the trade in the minors, in a scenario with less pressure.

I think Kostin needs to stay in the AHL if that’s where you put him. There is nothing wrong with bringing either up for a stretch of games during a week or two in the middle of the year. For 85-90% of the season though, these guys need to stay in one spot.

Additionally, we need to know if Kostin is going to be able to translate to the NHL or not. Some will say that is somewhat harsh, but there are ways to tell.

Even in a small sample size, you could tell Vladimir Tarasenko was going to be a force during his debut at the end of the 2012-13 season.

If Kostin can score 3-5 goals during preseason and look smooth entering the NHL style, there is great reason to hope. If he struggles against the stronger competition, then we know it might be more than a year or so before he can become a regular.

Either scenario is fine. If he needs more seasoning and time to adjust to the North American style, that is fine.

I simply want to avoid a scenario where you think he can play for the Blues right away this season and then the NHL is too big a shock. Fit him in at one spot or the other.