Former Red Wings fan favorites leaves the NHL for opportunity closer to home
Photo credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images
Former Detroit Red Wings forward Kim Klostin tried to survive another year in the NHL, but after two seasons with the San Jose Sharks, he's headed back to Europe to play in the KHL.
The unthinkable has happened to former Red Wings fan favorite, Klim Kostin.
He's officially leaving the NHL for the KHL.
While once a beloved forward here in Detroit, as a bottom-six, forechecking player, he wouldn't survive more than 33 games in Hockeytown.
He'd later be traded to the San Jose Sharks, where he'd spend the rest of his short NHL career.
After the 2024-25 postseason, Kostin had been hunting for a new deal in the league, but it appears that after making an attempt to reunite with his former Oilers squad, he's headed back to the KHL.
Detroit Red Wings Fan Favorite Klim Kostin Heads to the KHL
Instead of re-signing with the Oilers, which would've been a dream scenario for the physical two-way forward, he's had to consider other options.
He's returning home to Russia and has signed a new contract with the KHL's Avangard Omsk.
It's familiar territory for the Russian-born forward, who won the 2021 Gagarin Cup with the team and its coach at the time, Bob Hartley.
He'll be joining the KHL for his third stint, after having played for Moscow Dynamo before being drafted by the St. Louis Blues 31st overall in 2017.
His career in the NHL has been underwhelming, despite his best efforts.
It's debatable whether or not he was stymied here (forcing him to fight) in Detroit, but fans will love him for his efforts regardless.
Kostin played a total of 190 games in the NHL and scored 53 points (25-28) and 169 penalty minutes.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
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