After a confusing couple of days, it’s a done deal. The Wings announced Saturday morning that Russian winger Klim Koston has been inked to a two-year deal with an AAV of $2 million:
UPDATE: The #RedWings today signed forward Klim Kostin to a two-year contract with an AAV of $2,000,000. pic.twitter.com/EAb7zhV56D
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 1, 2023
Kostin was acquired alongside Kailer Yamamoto during day two of the 2023 NHL Draft. The Red Wings picked up both forwards from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for future considerations (so, basically nothing). The final year of Yamamoto’s contract was bought out, so he won’t be suiting up for the Red Wings.
Kostin, who turned 24 in May, was an unsigned RFA. The Wings did not qualify Koston, essentially making him an unrestricted free agent. But, as previously reported by Mark Spector, it was expected that Kostin and the Wings would agree on a two-year deal at some point.
Kostin is a former first-round pick of the St. Louis Blues (you know how much we love those Blues here in Detroit), and just wrapped up a career season with the Oil, putting up 21 points (11-10–21) in 57 games played. He also suited up in 12 playoff games. At six-foot-four, 212-pounds, Kostin fits the bill for what the Red Wings are looking for. A big-framed power forward who can help carry the bottom six. Steve Yzerman had a lot of good things to say of Kostin when asked after making the deal with Edmonton, so we can expect the Russian forward to be some sort of roleplayer for this roster. Hopefully his offense can continue to develop.
