Klim Kostin
Now we come to Klim Kostin. Fans, including myself, expected a lot more than Kostin was able to give at the start of the season.
Kostin has been somewhat stuck in the goal category, though he’s hit a few big ones of late. He is up to six for the season right now.
Kostin now has 19 points on the season. Having played in 51 games, that is not exactly the point total you’d like him to be up to. Given the culture change, it is not entirely unexpected.
On the plus side, Kostin has picked up the physical side of the North American game very well. In fact, he’s got the most penalty minutes out of any Blues prospect in the AHL right now.
However, given the hype, it is disappointing to see him struggle. Maybe it’s the language or maybe it’s just a different game. We do not know, but many of us had hoped for more.
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Tanner Kaspick
Switching to pleasant surprises, Tanner Kaspick has done more with just about nothing in terms of expectation than anyone on the prospect list. He had next to no build up prior to the season and his name is on almost no fans’ lips. That might be changing.
Kaspick has 60 points in 55 games. That earned a lot of attention throughout the WHL.
He started the season with the Brandon Wheat Kings. The Wheat Kings are loaded with talent, so Kaspick became expendable. He proved that was not true though since he’s increased his scoring pace with the Victoria Royals.
Kaspick had 12 goals and 37 points with the Wheat Kings. He’s now got 1.15 points per game with the Royals with 11 goals and 23 points in 20 games.
With little fanfare, there is no reason for great expectation. Kaspick is going to take time to groom. Even if he gets out of junior next season, he is going to need time to adjust to the pro game in the minors.
Still, it is good to see another center producing. The Blues still need help up the middle even with guys like Barbashev or Thompson making a little headway in the NHL.
Who knows if Kaspick makes it to the NHL, but having another option is never a bad thing.
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Overview
As the season has progressed, things have leveled off for several players but it is still looking good. Kyrou is still on fire, but not a blue flame any longer.
Conversely, some players that struggled have continued to do so. Some of that has to do with the affiliate situation and some is simply the fans expecting more of them than they were ready to give.
The odd thing is that the Blues lack of movement at the trade deadline may have sped up the need for some of these players. Even so, discretion is necessary. The future is still the future and not yet the now.