After tonight's game, San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn praised Klim Kostin.

After tonight's game, San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn praised Klim Kostin.

Kostin scored his eighth goal of the season, his fourth with the Sharks since joining the team in a trade with the Detroit Red Wings. 

"He's a hockey player. He's got poise with the puck. He's not afraid to make a play. He can make a play and protect it. There's a lot to like about him. He is a first-round talent who is making the most of his opportunity here," Quinn said postgame. 

Kostin has doubled his point total from the Red Wings in 21 fewer games with San Jose. He's been playing on a line with Mikael Granlund and Fabian Zetterlund. 

"I just feel alive again and enjoy my hockey with the Sharks," Kostin said. "I just want to pay back for the coaching trust."

Kostin said he especially likes playing with Zetterlund. 

"It's really good to play with him. You just pass the puck and he will shoot to score. I really like to play with him," he said. 

Quinn continued to challenge Kostin during his postgame presser, stating that he wanted Kostin to improve his conditioning, similar to the challenge he gave Tomas Hertl last offseason. 

"I think he's going to be in a good better position mentally because I think he knows how we feel about him," Quinn said. "I think from a training standpoint, a conditioning standpoint, he's got to make the next jump."

Kostin wants to be part of the Sharks' future and even gave his thoughts on what the team needs to succeed. 

"We have a lot of young guys, so we're missing a few, I would say, superstars," Kostin said. "I would say [we need] experienced guys to build for next season."

Kostin's physicality was on display as he said that the team needed to respond to what the Seattle Kraken was doing. Quinn said the team needs more of that. 

"We need more of that all throughout our lineup, and he's a guy with the size to do it," Quinn said. "It's good to see. He's got a history of being physical. I think his best hockey is ahead of him for sure. He's got eight games here to finish strong."

Kostin could get his wish, as the Sharks have a top prospect pool in the NHL on its way. The likes of Will Smith, Quentin Musty, and hopefully some luck in the draft lottery, the Sharks could get the superstars fast. Mikael Granlund, Jan Rutta, and Marc-Edouard Vlasic all have tremendous experience. 

Kostin will need to continue his rise up the Sharks ranks and build trust with the coaching staff, and according to Quinn, he has all the tools to do so. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

Sharks Call Up Centerman From Barracuda As Final Recall

Tomas Hertl Skates With Golden Knights For The First Time

Sharks ECHL Affiliate Pranks Fans For April Fools' Day

Sharks Assign First-Round Pick To AHL

Three Takeaways From Sharks 4-0 Win Over Blues

• undefined