Klim Kostin signs with Avangard Omsk in the KHL for 2025-26

Klim Kostin’s journey back to the Kontinental Hockey League marks a significant turning point for the 26-year-old forward who once showed promise as a power forward in the NHL. After spending several years navigating the challenging landscape of North American professional hockey, Kostin has signed a one-year deal with Avangard Omsk in the KHL for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. The move represents a return to familiar territory for the Russian forward, who previously helped the club capture the Gagarin Cup in 2021.

The signing effectively closes the door on what had become an increasingly uncertain NHL career. Despite flashes of potential, particularly during his time with the Edmonton Oilers, Kostin struggled to find consistent ice time and a defined role across multiple organizations. His decision to head back to Russia signals a fresh start in a league where he has previously experienced success, and where he’ll have the opportunity to rediscover the form that once made him a first-round selection.

Klim Kostin’s winding path through the NHL after signing with Avangard Omsk

Klim Kostin’s NHL career began with high expectations when the St. Louis Blues selected him 31st overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. The Blues organization saw a player with size, physicality, and offensive potential who could develop into a power forward capable of making an impact at the highest level. However, his development path proved more complicated than initially anticipated.

During the 2020-21 season, while still property of the Blues, Kostin was loaned to Avangard Omsk, where he would experience what remains one of the highlights of his professional career. He contributed seven goals and 18 points in 43 regular season games, but it was his playoff performance that truly stood out. Kostin registered five goals and nine points across 24 postseason contests, playing a crucial role in Avangard’s historic Gagarin Cup championship run.

Upon returning to North America for the 2021-22 season, Kostin struggled to establish himself with the Blues. He managed just four goals and nine points in 40 NHL games, supplemented by time with the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds. The lack of progression led St. Louis to move on from their former first-round pick, trading him to the Edmonton Oilers before the start of the 2022-23 campaign.

Edmonton proved to be the best fit for Kostin’s NHL career. During the 2022-23 season, he posted career-high numbers with 11 goals and 21 points in 57 games. His physical style of play and willingness to engage in the dirty areas of the ice endeared him to Oilers fans and coaching staff alike. Many believed Edmonton had discovered a diamond in the rough—a quality young power forward acquired for minimal cost who could contribute to their playoff aspirations.

The decline that led to Klim Kostin signing with Avangard Omsk in the KHL

Despite his success in Edmonton, Kostin’s time with the Oilers came to an abrupt end due to salary cap constraints. The organization faced difficult decisions regarding their roster construction, and Kostin became a casualty of the cap crunch. Along with Kailer Yamamoto, he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings for future considerations in a move that prioritized financial flexibility over on-ice contributions.

The transition to Detroit marked the beginning of a downward spiral for Kostin’s NHL career. Limited to a fourth-line role and averaging just 8:55 of ice time per game, he managed only three goals and four points in 33 games with the Red Wings. The lack of opportunity and diminished role represented a stark contrast to his experience in Edmonton, where he had been given more significant responsibilities and ice time.

Recognizing the situation wasn’t working for either party, the Red Wings traded Kostin to the San Jose Sharks at the 2023-24 trade deadline. The change of scenery initially appeared beneficial, as he produced five goals and 10 points in 19 games down the stretch. His performance suggested he could still be an effective NHL player given the right opportunity and proper deployment.

Kostin re-signed with San Jose for the 2024-25 season, hoping to build on his strong finish. However, the campaign proved disappointing as he registered just one goal and seven points in 35 games. His struggles to produce offensively, combined with San Jose’s rebuilding status, left his future in the NHL uncertain. When the season concluded, reports indicated that Kostin’s preference was to return to Edmonton, but no NHL contract materialized.

What Klim Kostin’s signing means for Avangard Omsk in the KHL

Avangard Omsk’s decision to bring back Klim Kostin represents both a low-risk acquisition and a potentially high-reward gamble. The club is banking on Kostin rediscovering the form he displayed during his previous stint with the organization, when he was a key contributor to their championship run. Currently sitting in fourth place in the KHL’s Eastern Conference, Avangard clearly views this signing as an opportunity to strengthen their roster for a potential playoff push.

Kostin will be reunited with familiar surroundings and a team culture that previously brought out the best in his game. He’ll be playing under head coach Guy Boucher, an experienced tactician who previously coached in the NHL with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Ottawa Senators, and other organizations. The coaching change could provide Kostin with the structure and system that allows him to maximize his physical playing style.

The roster composition at Avangard should also benefit Kostin. He’ll be playing alongside former teammate Andrew Poturalski, providing some immediate chemistry and familiarity. Additionally, the presence of Colorado Avalanche prospect Mikhail Gulyayev adds another layer of North American connection. These relationships could help ease Kostin’s transition back to the KHL and accelerate his integration into the team’s lineup.

From a statistical perspective, Kostin has previously demonstrated he can produce in the KHL. Across 75 career games in the league, he has recorded 27 points on 12 goals and 15 assists while maintaining a plus-12 rating. These numbers suggest he’s capable of being an effective player when given appropriate ice time and deployment. At 26 years old, Kostin is entering what should be the prime years of his career, making this an opportune time for both player and club.

The broader implications of Klim Kostin’s return after signing with Avangard Omsk

Klim Kostin’s decision to sign with Avangard Omsk in the KHL reflects a growing trend of players choosing to pursue opportunities outside North America when NHL roster spots become limited. For Russian players in particular, the KHL provides a viable alternative where they can play in their home country, earn competitive salaries, and maintain a high level of competition. The league has increasingly become a destination for former NHL players looking to revitalize their careers or find more stable roles.

The signing also highlights the challenges faced by players selected in the later portions of the first round. While Kostin possessed the physical tools and skill set that teams covet, he struggled to find the consistent opportunity necessary to develop into an NHL regular. His career trajectory serves as a reminder that draft position alone doesn’t guarantee success, and that organizational fit, timing, and opportunity all play crucial roles in a player’s development.

For NHL teams, particularly those that once employed Kostin, his departure represents a what-if scenario. The Edmonton Oilers, in particular, may wonder what could have been had they found a way to retain him beyond the 2022-23 season. His physical presence and playoff experience could have proven valuable during their subsequent postseason runs, but salary cap realities made keeping him impossible.

Looking ahead, Kostin’s performance in the KHL this season could determine whether his NHL career is truly over or simply on pause. Strong play in Russia could generate renewed interest from North American teams looking for depth forwards with NHL experience. Conversely, a successful transition back to the KHL might convince Kostin that his future lies in Russia, where he can play a more prominent role and enjoy greater stability.

The one-year contract provides flexibility for both Kostin and Avangard Omsk. Should he excel and help the team make a deep playoff run, a longer-term deal could be negotiated for next season. If his performance falls short of expectations, both sides can move on without long-term commitments. This structure makes sense for a player who is essentially auditioning for his next opportunity, whether that comes in the KHL or potentially back in North America. As Avangard pushes for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, Kostin’s ability to contribute will be closely watched by hockey observers on both sides of the Atlantic.