GENE'S BLOG: The Real Klim Shady

I won't profess to know much about the world of rap but I do recognize Eminem.
An American from Hockeytown, USA (Detroit) whose hip-hop music has produced a string of hits. His most famous song is "Lose Yourself" which was released in 2002. In fact, I remember that being the song you would often hear in the Oilers room after a win two decades ago. Another one of his big songs is "The Real Slim Shady". Here are the opening lyrics...
May I have your attention, please?
May I have your attention, please?
Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?
I repeat, will the real Slim Shady please stand up?
These lyrics would apply to an Oiler also known as "The Real Klim Shady".
First and foremost, let's be clear there isn't anything Shady about Klim Kostin, but the nickname is catchy. He's also catching on and very, very quickly becoming a fan favourite -- not because of a nickname but because of his game. It was the game he played vs. Arizona on December 7 that caught the attention of Oil Country. An assist, a goal and then a fight to finish off his first-ever Gordie Howe Hat Trick.

It had been five years since an Oilers player achieved that trifecta, and Kostin wasn't even aware what he had accomplished until it was explained to him. What he has continued to accomplish has made him a suddenly surprisingly important part of the team.
It was October 9 when Edmonton's GM Ken Holland connected with St. Louis GM Doug Armstrong on a trade. It wasn't one that made too many headlines in either city unless you were Kostin or the man he was traded for, defenceman Dmitri Samorukov.
Crazy twist when Kostin contacted one of his closest friends Samorukov to say he was coming to Edmonton only to find out Dmitri was the other player in the trade and was headed to St. Louis. A fun fact about a deal that looked like it could fall under the category of a minor league swap.
That's what it's been for the former Oilers blueliner who has played 32 games for the Blues' AHL affiliate Springfield Thunderbirds the Blues. It started that way for Kostin as well as he played nine times for the Bakersfield Condors before he was recalled by the big club.
It was out of necessity after the Oilers lost Kailer Yamamoto and Evander Kane in the same game vs. Tampa on November 8. It's the Kostin of doing business in the NHL. Injuries happen and it's about taking advantage of the opportunity, and the Oilers winger has done that.

Head Coach Jay Woodcroft has said on multiple occasions how there was a need for someone like Kostin -- a big, strong, physical, role player who could provide some size, strength and scoring. The one-time first-round pick has provided all of the above. He's given Edmonton the kind of minutes in the NHL that should mean not playing any more minutes in the AHL.
Along with his play, his personality has also been on display. He's often got a big smile on his face and really seems to be enjoying himself. His Instagram story photo next to Connor McDavid from New Year's Eve hopefully puts to rest any worry after his awkward fall at the end of Saturday's game against Winnipeg. It should mean that "The Real Klim Shady" will be able to stand up for himself and his teammates the rest of the season.