A Closer Look: Tom Kostopoulos

by Bob Wage on Sep 17, 2009 10:45 PM EDT

Carolina Hurricanes forward, Tom Kostopoulos, brings intensity with him when he laces them up. (photo by LTD)

The Carolina Hurricanes wanted to get bigger and more physical this summer. Who was at the top of their short list of free agent targets? None other than Tom Kostopoulos.

The feisty forward, who is listed at 6'0 200, was second on the Montreal Canadiens last season with 167 hits. He also chipped in with 8 goals and 14 assists, but the Canes won't be pressing him for much more scoring. He'll be on the fourth line, raising havoc with whomever else Paul Maurice puts there. (Probably Scott Walker and Stephane Yelle.)

Kostopoulos was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1999. The right winger signed a free agent contract with Los Angeles in 2005, then signed another free agent contract with Montreal in 2007. This summer, Carolina signed him to a three year deal which averages about $916,000 per year.

I had the opportunity to speak with "TK" recently and he was nice enough to answer a few questions.

CC: What has been the highlight of your career so far?

TK: Probably my first trip to the playoffs, with Montreal. Beating Boston in game seven. That was pretty good.

CC: Can you describe your game? What can fans expect to see from you?

TK: Hard work, nothing flashy. Just working hard every night and finishing checks and trying to be consistent.

CC: Who has been the most influential coach in your career?

TK: Geez, I have had quite a few. But Mike Yeo, assistant coach for Pittsburgh right now is one. He worked with me a lot when I was in the Pittsburgh organization. (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton) I was in the organization for five years and he worked with me the entire time to help me improve my game.

CC: Do you have a piece of equipment that you are most fussy with?

TK: My shoulders pads are old. I have had them awhile.

CC: What is your favorite off-ice workout?

TK: (pause).. Pete Friesen's five mile stationary bike ride. That was a lot of fun the other day.

CC: What's your favorite sport other than hockey?

TK: I like soccer.

CC: So you'll be kicking the ball around with the group before games?

TK: Yeah, but I'm not very good at that. (chuckles)

CC: Why number 29?

TK: That was my brother's number, I just copied him.

CC: and your favorite beer?

TK: Molson

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Thanks for the Tweet….

Molson! (just getting started early)

I’m really excited about the guys we added to our team this season…. I was at some of the rec zone “Beind’Amour” practices and all of these guys were impressive….

by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Sep 17, 2009 11:26 PM EDT reply actions

After watching the Flyers/Leafs game tonight, I think we’ll be happy for all the big boys we brought in this summer… Go TK!!!

by caniac4ever on Sep 17, 2009 11:44 PM EDT reply actions

What was up with all the fighting? are they trying to kill each other before the season starts

by jenniwa30 on Sep 18, 2009 6:46 AM EDT up reply actions

Great question! And here I had a whole different idea what the meaning to the term “elimination game” meant.

by caniac4ever on Sep 18, 2009 7:41 AM EDT up reply actions

It’s fairly common in the pre-season. Guys with a lot to prove try and do that anyway possible. Often times that means dropping the gloves. A lot of guys are trying to get on that fourth line and being there often means being able to drop the gloves.

by C-Leaguer on Sep 18, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions