St. Louis Blues: Klim Kostin Sets The World On Fire At World Juniors
St. Louis Blues prospect Klim Kostin made headlines both on and off the ice at the World Junior Championships, and Blues fans hope they see that in St. Louis very soon.
Although it is unlikely that the St. Louis Blues will call up Klim Kostin anytime soon, Kostin once again proved that he has a bright future at the NHL level. This time, he did it with the world watching.
Kostin made his presence known with his play on the ice as captain of Team Russia, and he performed as a captain should. Kostin played in every game for Team Russia on their way to a bronze medal.
In seven games, Kostin recorded three goals and three assists and had a plus/minus of +3 in the process. He was the ultimate captain, he was third on Team Russia in points and led by example off the ice.
However, there was some controversy regarding Kostin’s behavior during the tournament. More specifically, his actions following the loss to Team USA in the silver medal game.
Klim Kostin tossed his helmet and then gave his watch for being a top three player to someone off camera. #WJC2019 pic.twitter.com/7EuRwQtAFi
— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) January 4, 2019
As shown by the tweet above, Kostin was very emotional after the loss to Team USA, and I do not fault him one bit for the way he acted out after the game. The 19-year-old showed his true colors following the loss, and I believe it is something to be excited about as Blues fans.
Mostly, for plays and cellys like this one:
https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1081678151921614848
The performance by Kostin at the World Juniors had many Blues fans calling for Kostin’s promotion. However, that may not come this season, Kostin has not had the same level of production at the AHL level.
Kostin was playing amongst his peers at the World Juniors, but at the AHL level, he is playing players who are borderline NHL ready players. In 28 games for the San Antonio Rampage, Kostin has just 11 points.
Five goals, six assists, and a -8 so far this season will not warrant a call-up to the Blues anytime soon. At this rate, he will see players like Jordan Kyrou and Sammy Blais called up to St. Louis before Kostin gets the call.
If Kostin did nothing else while on loan to Team Russia for the World Juniors, he gave not only Blues fans, but the entire world a taste of what he brings to the table.
Next. Trade Fever Infects The St. Louis Area. dark
Although it may not happen this season, once Kostin gets the call to play for the St. Louis Blues, fans will fall in love with his combination of speed, skill, and strength and fans will be glad Doug Armstrong did not trade him away.