BLOG: Kostin converts another fan at Oilers Photo Day

EDMONTON, AB - The legend of Klim Kostin continues to grow in Oil Country with every hug, smile and Calgary Flames fan snubbed by the cheerful and humble Russian forward.
The 23-year-old had his best face on for Oilers Picture Day presented by Scotiabank alongside Vincent Desharnais for the countless Season Seat Holders that marched through the gates of Rogers Place on Thursday night to snap a few shots with their favourite players.
"We had a lot of fun, but yeah, it was really hard," Kostin said after Friday's practice. "My face was sore."
It was all fun and games until a fan wearing a Calgary Flames jersey reached around Kostin's shoulder with his arm, prompting him to roll out of his chair and put up his arms in disapproval and disbelief.

It's only been 11 weeks since he was recalled from the Bakersfield Condors for his first game in an Edmonton Oilers jersey against the Florida Panthers after being acquired from the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 9, but Kostin's already won over countless more supporters.
There won't have to be many jerseys for the Pensa, Rus. product to give away due to the steadily growing amount of number 21's being seen in the stands during home games at Rogers Place -- something that Kostin takes an immense amount of pride in since becoming a member of Oil Country.
"It's meant everything for me, Like I said, for me, I think for our team's fans, [they're] most important. We're all a big team, a big family, so yeah, I really appreciate it and I'm really proud when I see my jerseys there."

Kostin was sporting a bandaged upper lip during his post-practice media scrum after taking an accidental high stick from Connor McDavid during Friday's skate that left him with the potential for stitches. He was going to wait and see what Head Athletic Therapist T.D. Forss had to say about it before the final call would be made.
However, he's wearing it like a badge of honour.
"I'm really proud to get high stick from the best player in the world."
Kostin can be thankful that Oilers Picture Day was over and done with so the focus could shift back to playing his role as a skilled physical forward on the ice and a cheerful teammate in the locker room -- almost too friendly to the likes of McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
"They hide from me in the locker room," he said. "I'm coming in the morning and I'm looking for them. They're hiding. They're like, 'Oh my god, this guy again?'"