Klim Kostin has joined the Detroit Red Wings on a two-year deal. The move marks a clear step in the forward’s NHL journey as he brings his skill set to a team looking to deepen its scoring depth and playoff relevance in the coming seasons.
The contract carries an annual value of 2 million dollars, reflecting Kostin’s status as a dynamic Finnish-friendly winger with a mix of size, speed, and offensive potential. Detroit did not hesitate to secure him for a couple of seasons, signaling a plan that includes development and immediate contributions on both the power play and five-on-five play.
Earlier in the offseason, Kostin was part of a trade that brought him to Detroit from Edmonton, a deal that also involved another young forward. Kyler Yamamoto joined the Red Wings in the same transaction, and the club saw this as a move to inject youth and versatility into its forward group while balancing future considerations with immediate capability.
In Kostin’s most recent NHL season, he appeared in 57 games, recording 11 goals and 10 assists, a line that underscored his two-way potential and willingness to contribute in meaningful moments. In the Stanley Cup playoffs, Kostin stepped up, tallying three goals and adding two assists across 12 contests, a display that highlighted his ability to elevate his game on the big stage.
His hockey journey began far from the United States, in Russia, where he spent formative years with top clubs and developed into a high-draft prospect. Kostin had a notable early run with Avangard Omsk, contributing to the team during his time in the Kontinental Hockey League before pursuing his NHL dream. He also spent significant time developing in the Dynamo Moscow system, where his play impressed scouts and coaches alike. The forward’s NHL entry into the spotlight came when he was selected 31st overall by the St. Louis Blues during the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, a pick that underscored the high expectations surrounding his potential at the professional level.
During his path through North America, Kostin’s teams and experiences helped him refine his game and adapt to the speed and structure of the league. In addition to his on-ice contributions, the broader arc of his career includes a championship taste with Avangard Omsk, a reminder of the high levels he has already reached before returning to the global stage of the NHL with new responsibilities in Detroit. The narrative of Kostin’s career is one of steady growth, international exposure, and a willingness to take on bigger roles as opportunities arise.
Reports from the period prior to this signing also noted that Kostin had agreed to a new contract with CSKA, reflecting the player’s ongoing ties to Russian hockey and a willingness to maintain a presence in both his homeland’s top league and the NHL landscape as part of a global, professional hockey career.