The Boston Bruins look a little different heading into the 2025-26 season.
When Brad Marchand was traded to the Florida Panthers at the trade deadline (who eventually defeated the Edmonton Oilers for a second consecutive year), it signalled the beginning of a new era. It also left the team without some teeth. The free agent signing of Tanner Jeannot was made to address this deficiency. That’s why Klim Kostin should be signed by the Bruins.
Kostin is a 6-foot-4, 232 lb Russian forward, who has played for the St. Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings, and San Jose Sharks in addition to the aforementioned Oilers. With 190 regular season games under his belt, he still has potential that could be unlocked under the proper circumstances. Offering Kostin a standard player contract, or even a PTO, would give the lineup more physicality, and give Kostin the opportunity to prove why he is a first-round talent.
Bruins Signed Tanner Jeannot For Physicality
NHL insider offered some insights into why the the Bruins signed Jeannot to the contract that they did. He started out by addressing the fan outrage at the deal.
“That had everyone screaming,” Eliotte Friedman revealed on the 32 Thoughts Podcast,”what is Boston doing here with this. The hardcore fans always see something that we at 30-thousand feet don’t always see.” Friedman goes on to explain some of the thought process behind the contracted they handed out.
“So I asked around,” Friedman revealed. “With Jeannot, yes it’s a five-year deal but the number isn’t going to hurt you. I heard there were 10-teams after this guy…there’s not a lot of guys around like Jeannot anymore.”
“They want Zadorov to just play hockey. I think they felt Zadorov was fighting too much or going after guys too much. They’re still not a big team…they brought Jeannot in to be a little bigger, a little meaner, so Zadorov doesn’t have to do this as much.”
Klim Kostin is a First-Round Talent With Snarl
Much like Jeannot, Kostin is a rugged forward who can provide bite when called upon. With 480 career hits across 190 games, he’s more than willing to throw his weight around.
During the 2024-25 season, despite only averaging 10:41 of time on ice per game, Kostin managed to throw 110 hits in 35 games. This is a testament to his commitment to playing a physical game.
Additionally, he won’t back down from a fight. The 26-year-old winger has fought nine times over the past three seasons: five times in 2022-23, three times in 2023-24, and once this past season.
The 232 lbs Russian was drafted 31st overall in 2017 by the Blues. According to a draft year scouting report authored by Emily Sadler of Sportsnet, “once considered a top-3 overall pick, the dynamic skater is now expected to be taken in the middle of Round 1 or even later after a bout of bad luck, including a season ending injury.”
The report highlights Kostin’s “explosiveness, offensive prowess, and NHL-ready shot.” Jeff Marek described him as “an enticing mix of size and skill.”
Kostin Has Had Success When Given an Opportunity
Kostin had his most offensively successful season while playing for the Oilers. In 57 regular season games, he collected 21 points, including 11 goals.
He spent nearly 25 percent of his total ice time on a line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Mattias Janmark. Kostin recorded seven of his 21 points while on that line.
The gritty forward enjoyed some success during the Oilers playoff run that season too. In 12 postseason contests he recorded five points and 38 hits despite averaging less than eight minutes a night.
The Bruins can address the needs of better defensive depth and another center in other ways. But, if the Bruins want to add some bite with a dash of offense to their lineup, they could do worse than Kostin.
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