Toronto Maple Leafs 2017 NHL Draft Preview: No. 15 Klim Kostin

As the Toronto Maple Leafs and the rest of the NHL prepare for the draft, we look at Klim Kostin, the Russian forward who is a high-risk, high-reward pick and the most intriguing player in the first round.

The 2016 draft had several headlining players that controlled the main portion of the coverage in North America. This was particularly true north of the border, as the Toronto Maple Leafs and every other Canadian team failed to reach the playoffs.

This summer will be a different story. Further, there has been a lot of movement in the draft rankings over the course of the season.

On Tuesday, we looked at Nicolas Hague. Today, we turn to Klim Kostin, who is the 15th-ranked prospect on our board.

Kostin was taken by the Kootenay Ice with the first overall pick in the 2016 CHL Import Draft. However, he did not report to them and began playing his season in the KHL.

He bounced around in Russia this year, splitting his time between Dynamo Moscow, Dynamo Balashikha of the VHL and HK MVD Balashikha of the MHL.

Kostin only had two points across all leagues this season. However, he did have a nice shootout goal for Dynamo against Spartak:

His stats aren’t that dazzling, but his showing with the Russian National Team made up for that. He had over a point per game at last summer’s Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and had a point per game at the World Junior A Challenge.

Kostin also played in the 2016 CIBC Canada-Russia Series, where he had two points in five games.

Here’s what Future Considerations had to say about Kostin:

"A big-bodied power winger with strong work ethic…he can dominate for stretches with his cycle game and puck-protection skills…can carry defenders around the ice with his power and balance, or stickhandle around them with a deke or two as he goes to the net…high-energy guy, always keeps his feet moving…possesses a very quick release and has great shot selection…heads-up player who has a great work ethic and leads by example"

Dynamo Moscow finished the KHL regular season third in the Western Conference. They made it to the conference semi-finals, where they were eliminated in five games by the eventual Gagarin Cup Champions, SKA Saint Petersburg.

Kostin’s situation could be considered similar to Evgeny Kuznetsov in a way. Although they are not the same type of player, Kostin will likely slide in the draft, because of his reluctance to play in the CHL this season.

The classic “Russian Factor” will play into where he lands, but if a team can convince him to come to North America, the upsides could be huge.

Next: Is Kyle Dubas on his way out?

What’s your take on Kostin? Do you agree with the current projection that he will be drafted 15th overall, or is this too high or low? Further, what kind of career are you predicting for him in the NHL? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.