Klim Kostin was the top rated European skater at the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. His stock fell due to injuries, and the Blues were able to trade away Ryan Reaves to the Pittsburgh Penguins for the opportunity to select him 31st overall.
The team has taken the next step in getting Kostin into the fold by signing him to a three-year, entry level contract. Kostin played wing for Moscow Dynamo of the KHL for eight games last year. Drafted first overall in the CHL Import Draft last year by the Kootenay Ice, Kostin has made it clear that it’s professional or bust in North America - he intends to play for the Blues or in the AHL.