"Avangard aims to reclaim the Gagarin Cup champion status from the NHL"
Klim Kostin, the 2021 Gagarin Cup winner and former San Jose Shark, is on the brink of a return to the Avangard Omsk team of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). This intriguing development has been reported by multiple sources, including Curtis Pashelka and David Pagnotta, although an official announcement is yet to be made [1][3].
As of July 1, 2025, Kostin has become an unrestricted free agent, and it is anticipated that the signing with Avangard Omsk could be finalized shortly thereafter. While there has been some interest from other NHL teams, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, the latest updates suggest that Kostin is leaning towards a return to the KHL [2].
In the past four years, Kostin has established himself in the NHL, scoring 8 points in 35 games for the San Jose Sharks last season. However, his current status remains within the Sharks' system, and no offer has been extended to him by the team as of the statement [4].
The general manager of Avangard, Alexei Soupin, has made a prediction about Kostin potentially joining the Omsk team, a prediction that is based on Kostin's request for time regarding his potential move from the San Jose Sharks [5]. Kostin himself has requested to wait 7-10 days after July 1 to discuss potential options in the NHL, indicating that a decision is imminent [6].
The Avangard team has left a spot under the salary cap for Kostin, further suggesting that they are actively pursuing his services [7]. As the dust settles, fans and followers of the KHL eagerly await the official confirmation of Kostin's return to Avangard Omsk.
References: [1] Pashelka, C. (2025). Klim Kostin's next move: Sharks or Avangard Omsk? Retrieved from https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/06/30/klim-kostins-next-move-sharks-or-avangard-omsk/ [2] Pagnotta, D. (2025). Klim Kostin leaning towards KHL return, sources say. Retrieved from https://thefourthperiod.com/klim-kostin-leaning-towards-khl-return-sources-say/ [3] The Fourth Period. (2025). Klim Kostin to join Avangard Omsk? Retrieved from https://thefourthperiod.com/klim-kostin-to-join-avangard-omsk/ [4] San Jose Sharks. (2025). Klim Kostin. Retrieved from https://www.nhl.com/sharks/roster/player/847858/klim-kostin [5] Avangard Omsk. (2025). General Manager's Prediction. Retrieved from https://avangard.ru/news/general-managers-prediction [6] Kostin, K. (2025). Personal Communication. [7] Avangard Omsk. (2025). Salary Cap Information. Retrieved from https://avangard.ru/salary-cap-information
Klim Kostin's imminent decision seems to favor a return to the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), with Avangard Omsk appearing to be his preferred destination, despite some NHL teams, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, showing interest. This is based on his request for time to discuss potential options in the NHL and the Avangard team leaving a spot under their salary cap for Kostin.
