Kings select forward Alex Kostov (Round 6, Pick 177)

The LA Kings have selected forward Alex Kostov with the 177th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

The Vitals
Name: Alex Kostov
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Right
DOB: June 3, 2006
Height: 6-4
Weight: 210
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario
NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 73 (North American Skaters)
The Athletic / Corey Pronman Final Ranking: 54
FloHockey / Chris Peters Final Ranking: 69
McKeen’s Hockey: 97
Daily Faceoff / Steven Ellis Final Ranking: 100

Stats (Flint, OHL): 45 GP, 24 G, 31 A, 55 PTS, 48 PIM

Expert Opinions
Corey Pronman / The Athletic
Kostov took significant steps forward in his third draft-eligible season. He’s a tall winger who has good offensive skills. He has a big shot that can finish from range. He doesn’t shy from using his body as well. Kostov’s pure sense and playmaking aren’t great, though, and his footspeed is just OK.

Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
Is Kostov good because he’s big, or good because he’s actually good? That’s what scouts have been wondering all year long. The 19-year-old is very intriguing because he plays with a ton of pace for a guy with a 6-foot-4 frame. He’s not flashy, but he makes up for it by doing a solid job of chasing after opponents and forcing traffic. Kostov’s shot is pretty good, too. The biggest flaw at this point is his complete disappearance in the defensive zone, though. But as a re-entry option, I could see him making the NHL sooner rather than later. Is he dynamic enough to stick around for the long run? I’m not too sure yet.

Chris Peters / FloHockey
Not picked in either of the last two drafts, Kostov had a bit more of a breakout this year and showed that there could be some NHL potential in his 6-foot-4 frame. Kostov scored 55 points in 47 games with Flint, showing off a higher-end shot and an ability to get to the middle. Because of his size and his growing offensive game, I think NHL teams are going to take a chance on him.

Quick Take – Kostov is a very interesting profile. He’s gone through the draft already and didn’t do enough to get drafted but it’s clear he took some steps forward here this season. The frame is very good at 6-4 and he put together the offensive production to match it this season in the OHL, at over a point-per-game. He’s a guy who has a lot of tools but hadn’t really put them together until this season. A long ways to go before he’s putting them together in a way that impacts the Kings but he’s got some tools that offer excitement when you’re drafting at this stage in the draft.