Since being traded from the Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks winger Klim Kostin has five points in seven games.

Since being traded from the Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks winger Klim Kostin has five points in seven games.

However, producing points has meant more to Kostin than just being successful offensively.

"It's a good opportunity to show that I'm more than just a tough guy that, like everyone thought before," Kostin told THN today. "It's a really good opportunity for me to prove [to] myself that I can still play solid hockey."

Kostin has played a middle-six checking forward role with the St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers, and Detroit Red Wings. He even had some time on a line with Leon Draisaitl during his career-best season in 2022-23. 

That season with Edmonton, he scored 11 goals and 10 assists in 57 games. He earned his current two-year contract with an AAV of $2 million. 

Kostin has found a new life in San Jose, and when asked about it, he couldn't hold back his happiness. 

"So many times [more] already," Kostin said. "I'm enjoying my time in San Jose, and I feel great here."

As for what went wrong in Detroit, Kostin said he wasn't sure why it didn't work out. He knows why it is working here, however.

"I have more trust from the coach, and he wants to play more. He wants to help me be a better player," Kostin said about the Sharks organization. "I don't know what happened with Detroit. It's more of a question for their organization."

Although he was eventually moved back to the second powerplay unit, Kostin started the game with the team's first powerplay unit. 

"It's really good to feel alive again," Kostin said. "Enjoy the hockey and get some points. Try to help the team to win."

Kostin was a first-round pick in 2017 but never truly got an opportunity to play first-line minutes. His ice time is steadily growing, and he has played around 12-15 minutes a night for the Sharks.

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

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