AGENT: PETROV COULD BE NYI PROPERTY IN 2010
Also: Practice report – Hillen sits out, DP feeling fine
FanHouse 2-on-1: CB and Schultz on Trade Silence
Agent Alexander “Sasha” Tynjynch told Point Blank today that, although he is not optimistic about Garth Snow’s plan to free his client Kirill Petrov from his KHL contract, he would like to see the highly-skilled wing become Islanders property by the start of next season.
Tynjynch said neither he nor Petrov were told of Snow’s attempt to use the Russian Federation’s request for Bridgeport defenseman Anton Klementyev as a bargaining chip to secure his client’s release from his contract with Kazan of the KHL. The agent said he first heard the news on Sunday when he received several calls from Russian hockey officials asking for details. “I’ll tell you what I told them,” said Tynjynch. “Kirill has a valid contract with Kazan for this season and for the next two seasons after. It’s very difficult to see anything happening soon.”
Petrov’s agent was not angry that he wasn’t tipped off about the Islanders general manager’s maneuver – suspiciously leaked by the GM himself, who enjoys his rep for keeping things quiet - but he could not envision how it would work.
“The two players are completely different cases,” said Tynjynch. “I don’t know much about Anton Klementyev; just that he’s a good young player who is playing a little in Bridgeport instead of junior. I’m sure there are reasons, and I respect that. What’s happening with Kirill does not have anything to do with him. The Russians want Klementyev for the national junior team. Kirill is under contract to a pro club.”
At the 2008 NHL draft the Islanders used one of their many early-round picks to select Petrov, a potentially high-scoring right wing, in the third round. Petrov was considered by many scouts to be a first-round talent, but his long KHL contract and uncertain desire to come to North America scared off some teams. With the 73rd overall pick, having already drafted seven players, the Islanders made Petrov a low-risk, high-reward selection.
The 6-3 Russian continues to tease with his talent, but his time in Russia since the draft has been mostly unproductive. He will play in another World Junior Championships this month, but Kazan Ak Bars earlier this season demoted him to the KHL’s second division. As Petrov demonstrated at the recent Super Series in Canada, he still has the tools, but the Islanders need to get him out of Russia before his play stagnates any further. Whenever Petrov is freed from his KHL obligation, he would almost certainly begin his North American career in Bridgeport.
Tynjynch told Point Blank his advice to Snow and the Islanders will be to negotiate in a honest manner with the management of Petrov’s pro team in Kazan. “I speak with the Ak Bars people all the time,” said the agent. “I think if we’re going to ever get anything accomplished with Kirill and get him to New York before his Kazan contract expires, it will be by dealing directly with the team. Garth really should talk to Kazan.”
Told this blog was writing about Petrov, Garth Snow declined to comment. Intrepid Klymentyev agent Paul Theofanous – almost certainly a co-producer in this maneuver – has not returned two phone calls. As for Petrov, he left today for Moscow to start training camp for Team Russia.
Even if Snow’s negotiating tactic is not successful this month, there is still big news to come out of this international affair. Tynjynch and Petrov now realize the player must begin his development with the Islanders as soon as possible.
If you told the Islanders at the 2008 draft that they may get Kirill Petrov under contract in 2010, they would have signed up for it.
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Rick DiPietro experienced no discomfort after his game on Saturday in Bridgeport, so he practiced today with the Sound Tigers under the guidance of goalie coach Mike Dunham. DiPietro’s next start will be either Friday in Springfield or Saturday in Hartford. He will then likely play at home for Bridgeport a week from tomorrow. That third start could be his final AHL tuneup.
Jack Hillen did not practice today at Iceworks, but Scott Gordon said he’ll play tomorrow in Philadelphia. The defenseman took a hard slapper in Tampa Bay. Andy Sutton (groin) is rehabbing, not practicing, but Gordon expressed optimism the Islanders could get him back for Saturday at home against the Bruins.
Now that bruising forward Jeremy Reich is close to playing AHL games, he has to go on waivers and clear so he can go on Bridgeport’s roster. Reich will clear.
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The first Point Blank Night of the 2009-10 season is this Wednesday, beginning at 7:00 at SOCIAL on Hempstead Turnpike, across from the Coliseum and adjacent to the Hofstra campus. Among the highlights:
- The Islanders vs. Toronto on more than a dozen television screens
- Free buffet from 7-8:00 pm, prepared by Danny Gagnon of “Top Chef”
- Special guests Steve Webb and Deb Placey
- $1 Bud and Bud Light drafts in the first hour
- Complimentary shots – SOCIAL slap shots – after each Islanders goal
- Raffle, including Islanders tix, a John Tavares jersey. All PB readers in attendance have an equal chance of winning. Just see the SOCIAL staff for your ticket.
All ages welcome. 21 and over to drink. SOCIAL – formerly BARSOCIAL and Chrebet’s – is at 1002 Hempstead Turnpike across from the Coliseum.
I’ve met with the owners and staff of SOCIAL a few times over the last week and they are determined to show us a great time and provide the kind of first-class service you deserve.
My way of saying thanks for the amazing support of the second season of Point Blank.
PLEASE RSVP (YESSES ONLY) AT THIS LINK. I’m also on Facebook.
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Scott Gordon on Kyle Okposo’s goal-scoring slump: “He’s getting opportunities every game. They’re just not going in.” The coach said “the good news” is that the Islanders “are staying afloat” during Okposo’s slump and will benefit when he gets hot.
The Islanders’ coach on his team’s struggling power play: “The majority of our personnel on the power play is under 23. You’ve got to give them some slack, too.”
Comments on Petrov and the Islanders’ D situation in this post.
40 Responses to AGENT: PETROV COULD BE NYI PROPERTY IN 2010
Also: Practice report – Hillen sits out, DP feeling fine
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cbuckser says:
I won’t be excited about Kirill Petrov unless he performs well at this year’s WJC. I know he was coming back from an injury last year, but he didn’t impress me a year ago. And, his performance over the last season and a half has not inspired confidence.
I understand that he has the tools. I hope he puts things together and becomes a quality player, rather than someone with tantalizing skill who perpetually underachieves.
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Gary9-19-22 says:
Petrov is a must. I have a cousin in Russia who is a big hockey fan. He says the kid has talent just looks lost sometimes. From what he tells me coaching there is not like coaching here and players who do not develop on their own dont develop. If Garth has been given money to spend, which he saud he has, then ge this kid to the USA before he becomes Oleg Kvasha.
Power Play – The PP will get better when Doug Weight returns. I love Streit but he slows down too much during the rush and brings the rush to a halt. Weight will fix that problem with in game talk.
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Doug says:
Hey Chris, do you think the NHL would want/allow clubs to negotiate directly with individual Russian pro clubs?
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stephen says:
Thanks for the DP update, CB. You are the only media outlet to inform us, as usual.
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It’d be nice to see him in Bridgeport sooner rather than later. The cupboard is bare enough on the farm and needs some serious restocking.
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Hale says:
this would be a good move…with that being said anton has played very good in his limited time..i actually think in about 2 years he could get a look with the big club..he has good size and can skate
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Vlad from Brooklyn says:
Just sticking my 50 cents on Petrov’s topic: Most russian players in NHL now are very much impact players. We definately need some russian talent in the organization. Can’t wait to see Kirill in NY.
Power play looked just awful. KO should not be on the point. I think Hillen on the point will do just fine. Plus Sim’s inability to hold any kind of passes should keep him out of PP line. -
JimfromStjames says:
Hmmmm…. A Russian that has the skills & the size to be a top flight NHL’er, but never seems to put it all together at the same time.
Where have i heard that before?
All this with the chance that he’ll get here for a few years & then maybe be coaxed back to Russia with a Tax Free contract?
I’d rather see Garth make a play for Filatov, at least he WANTED to play in NA badly enough that he didn’t sign a 4 year contract. -
jim, don’t forget that kazan is also his hometown. that may have played a role in the longterm contract. sort of like a recent high school graduate taking a year off before deciding on a school, rather than rushing it and blowing the whole thing…
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Geli says:
#9…he wanted to play in the NHL so badly that he went back to the KHL? even last year when Filatov wasn’t getting the minutes he wanted he was threatening Columbus with going back to the KHL.
As for another big skilled russian that can’t put it all together…who are you thinking of when you say we’ve heard that before? Petrov is just a kid, he’s supposed to already have it all together?
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bergie20 says:
great to hear that petrov might be here next year. this reminds me a lot of the okposo situation, when garth pulled him out of minnesota early. they weren’t happy with what he was being taught so they did something about it. the khl does not seem like a good learning environment.
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Metalcoconut says:
I wonder what Petrov thinks about all of this? He hasn’t made any waves about this situation which has to lead you to beleive that pulling him to the US to play could lead you to another Yashin situation. Sure, yes, I will take the $ and then not perform anywhere near expectations. Is this kid old enough (20) to put on the Soundtigers?
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JJT9090 says:
Petrov can’t be happy with his demotion. This story clearly has leaked to him and he’s aware we want him on this team. You go where you are wanted… period.
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therain93 -- terriers fan says:
Would be interesting to see if Garth can use the recently opened coffers to buy out Petrov’s contract in order to bring him over…
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David Volek says:
#11 im pretty sure he was reffering to Kvasha. The problem with a lot of these Russian players is that they dont have heart. You can have all the skill in the world but if you dont have heart, you dont win the one on one battles, and you become the Kvashas and Yashins. Obviously they took a chance on Petrov because he is highly skilled, but only time will tell if its a good fit. I personally would rather the isles draft players that have the skill and the good attitutes. Thats what makes for a good NHLer. Look at the Filatovs, and Zherdevs of the league. They didnt get their way and ultimately took their toys and went home. That shouldnt even be an option……….thats bush league.
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the bomber says:
hey cb
you hit a bport game in which isles dominated, and martin dbo and JJ all scored. how bout some thoughts. any stand out on that level??
cupboard as bare as some think??
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BTW, Ovechkin is the complete antithesis of my detest for Russian players.
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Dan says:
WE WANT PETROV
WE WANT PETROV
WE WANT PETROV
GET HIM NOW -
Jim Clark says: With the KHL around, I’m pretty wary of having Russians. Look how Filatov in Columbus and Tikhonov in Phoenix have gone running back to Mother Russia after things didn’t go as they planned. Or Yashin, the worst contract of the decade.
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Strummer's Army says:
I love this blog! What fantastic info we get here! Thank you Botta and thank you fanhouse!!!!!!
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Hollywood says:
If Snow can pull this Petrov thing off that would be grand. More importantly, when Ricky comes back do they let him play entire games or don’t they? I don’t see how 3 games in Bridgeport would be enough for him to adjust. Is it safe to say that Comeau is done with the Isles. The kid much like last year just seems lost. Has Gordon gave up on him.
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MattNC says:
I’ve seen some highlights of Petrov, and he has shown flashes of talent, but it’s hard to imagine that a forward that has put up only 13 points in 70 games for Kazan will suddenly blossom. Then again, he is only 19 1/2 and is listed at 6-3 198, so it would certainly be worth a slot at B’Port to see if AHL coaching could help him develop into a good winger.
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Irish Isle says:
It seems that Petrov is a higher priority fo the Isles than Kazan, as Kazan is not in Kirill’s longterm plans. I think it will be in Kirill’s development would be better in Bridgeport where they would focus on his development.
Also on a completelly unrelated note, I saw Ny Senior State Republican Dean Skelos yesterday at a Christmas Party, and I told him Thank You for his comments of support for the Lighthouse. -
mmm22 says:
Can’t blame Filatov, he is actually getting good playing time and putting up good numbers for Moscow, 10pts in 8 games. He probably gets paid more too. However what I don’t understand is how it is so easy for him to get out of his contract here but its so hard for Petrov to get out of his contract in Russia…that is if Petrov even wants out of his contract.
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Honnold says:
Make it so, Snowy.
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Chris R says:
It’s about time that someone gave the russian league a piece of their own medicine.
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goislesgo105 says:
6’3” with skill? Get him here ASAP!!!!
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eye on the island says:
can we please stop w/ the xenophobia-it only does a disservice to our team to dismiss players from a certain country-i can go ahead and say ovie plays w/ all heart and russians are the hardest workers out there but that wouldn’t be true either-give the kid a chance before you cast him aside-its ignorant to do otherwise
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Jim M says:
Petrov is the kind of guy were praying that blossoms into a top 6 foward very much sooner than later. If he ever gets the chance atleast..
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Justin says:
#25 Filatov didn’t get out of his contract from what I have read. He’s on loan to the KHL and is suppose to come back if his rights gets traded or if he’s requested back. My understanding was it’s a mutual agreement between his NHL and KHL teams.
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eastonhockey says:
“so why can’t the Islanders just send the khl team money for petrov?” ..HAHA Right..Islanders and the penny pinchers of NHL at the cap floor on purpose..dumped radio on purpose and have lowest paid coach and GM on Purpose..they will not be paying money for some kid to play in bridgport which gets 1500 fans a game
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Thank you very much for both this update on Petrovs situation and the good news about Rick feeling fine today. Both are good news!
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neologizer says:
1)From what I understand Petrov is making alot of money (maybe near a million a year)- alot more then he’d make right now in the NHL
2) Kazan are winners/contenders for the championship for the last few years. During the lockout they pulled in an NHL all-star squad. Kazan is a big money operation – they don’t need Petrov
3) The KHL is without a full development support system (started an amature draft and a junior “17-21″ league just this year). Their model was to throw money at talented teens to keep them from going to the NHL. But otherwise focus on short 1-2yr contracts, win now, without much regard for developing young players
which explains this
4)Dude is 19 – he signed with Kazan (his Home town team) when he was 17!!!
leading to this
5)Development stifled -
Also from what I read about the Petrov contract was he didn’t want to sign a long term deal but they wouldn’t let him sign anything shorter then he did.
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he looks like a chess player. if he doesnt stand out in his 3rd trip to the world juniors, im more than happy to keep him where he is. fact is it was worth the gamble, but if he is playing in a league worse than the one Bridgeport is in, he has a long way to go, and let them pay him for that if they want him that bad.
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JPinVA says:
I think we’d all like to see Kirill playing in the US. At this point though, is he worth more than a few pairs of Levy’s and a carton of Marboro’s?
It’s probably more important to make sure the right things are done to secure Ness, deHaan and Hamanic for camp next year. Right now, JJ is probably more advanced in the North American game than Kiril will be in two years, when he’s free(if my math is correct). -
steve says:
i thought the last lines with thoughts from the coach were important. most of the guys are under 23. sometimes, i think, as fans of a club that hasn’t had too much success, we want more success. thats why we are dedicated fans. in terms of being pro atheletes, these guys are for the most part just starting. and some of then, can’t even order a beer. that means something to us old dogs( disney plug for a bad movie?). it sounds silly, guys like witt have a tremendous vaue in the skill they earned, that doesnt diminish with age. experience. give the team time. they are right there in the playoff hunt, and play hard every night.
when your bored, and its dark and cold, go reread old posting about this team at seasons start. thigns are gettin’ better. -
german islesfan says:
AK Bars Kazan is the actuell russian champion. Last season Petrov had problems to find an spot in this high quality roster. This season Kazan has an typical Cup hang over they playing by far not so well like last year and this is also not so easy for Petrov.
Wow, thats great news to see Garth trying to get Petrov here as soon as possible!
I hope this works and he comes over! That would be huge!