PETROV CONFIRMED FOR PROSPECT CAMP
Agent: skilled wing ready to start Islanders career
Comments thread closed. Enjoy the weekend. I could have a little something later. Nothing big…CB
10:30 am: The low risk/high reward gamble by Garth Snow and Ryan Jankowski to use an extra 2008 third round pick on talented Russian prospect Kirill Petrov is about to pay off – and very likely way ahead of schedule.
According to his agent, Alexander Tynjynch, Petrov has accepted an invitation to participate in the Islanders’ prospects camp after the June draft. The 6-3, 205-pound left wing has even received the blessing of the Kontinental Hockey League and his team, Ak Bars, to be part of the camp.
While a signed contract is not a condition of his participation in the prospect camp, there has been momentum towards getting Petrov out of his KHL contract – which has two seasons remaining – and signing an Entry Level deal with the Islanders.
“He is guaranteed to be at the prospect camp,” Tynjynch told Point Blank. “I have been speaking with Kirill every day to prepare for this. He wants to join the Islanders organization this year and start his career in their system. There is still a lot of work to be done if he is to be signed and join the Islanders’ roster. There has to be an agreement between the KHL and the NHL, and the Islanders and AK Bars, but I think you would agree that Kirill being set to attend the Islanders prospect camp is a very good first step.”
Asked if Petrov accepts the likelihood that he would start the 2010-11 season with Bridgeport of the American Hockey League, Tynjynch said, “You cannot say that for sure. The decision is ultimately is up to the general manager and coach. This is a very highly-skilled player. If everything works out, Kirill would attend the main camp in September with the goal of making the NHL team.”
Beyond his impressive play for Team Russia at the World Junior Championships, Petrov is coming off two straight seasons of marginally stunted development. As a member of the high-powered Ak Bars team in the KHL, cracking the lineup has been difficult for Petrov. He has played the majority of the last two seasons in the second-tier league.
Petrov, who turned 20 on Tuesday, is actually with the big club now. He was in the lineup for Ak Bars’ last two playoff games, but did not receive a second of icetime. “It happens,” said Tynjynch. “It’s okay. I’m telling you, most of the talented North American players Kirill’s age would not be played by Ak Bars, either.”
The top-six forward prospect was considered by most scouts to be a mid-to-late first round talent. However, because of rumors of Petrov’s lack of desire to play in North America and his long-term contract with Ak Bars, NHL teams elected not to gamble an early round draft pick on him. Since the Islanders had three second round picks and three third-rounders in 2008, the risk was minimal. Now the Islanders may see a pair of high-end prospects, Travis Hamonic (second round, 53rd overall) and Petrov (third round, 73rd overall) emerge from the six-pack.
Petrov and Tynjynch are so excited about the potential of the player beginning his Islanders career that they have spoken with Snow about staying here before the team’s main camp in China in September. Petrov could skate with the Islanders that partake in unofficial workouts at Iceworks in August or he could be part of a preparation camp Tyjynch’s agency hosts in Ottawa for their clients.
“Kirill has matured physically and mentally,” said the agent. “He’s ready.”
Comments on Kirill Petrov coming to America.
117 Responses to PETROV CONFIRMED FOR PROSPECT CAMP
Agent: skilled wing ready to start Islanders career
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isles71 says:
Can it be or is this another CB April fools day joke? This has tremendous upside and if able to work out a deal, will definetely impact what Isles do on draft day. If he is part of the mix I say trade down a few spots for best forward and take Tinordi (a 6’5″ dman at 35 pick). Will be an interesting next few months!
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Vincent says:
CB, Do you have any numbers for Petrov? I see some hype.. but little on the numbers to back up this prospect.
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PotvinRocks says:
Good deal, get him going with Bridgeport next season to start the season.
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bluechip says:
Islandermania, eat your hearts out…
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concanky says:
CB do you think this affects the Isles draft strategy? Specifically, does it lower Connolly on the draft board and increase the Isles chances of going with a defenseman?
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Viper says:
Great news! I’m already getting excited for next season!
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John says:
Bring Kirill in and make a play for one of the Dmen!!! Isles seem to be coming along. Curious if the Isles sign Ness or Niemi this summer
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Word says:
Good stuff!
Regardless the level, I hope he can learn to play with some edge..
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pat says:
man that dudes got a pudgy face
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Mike L says:
CB this is some real great news. Isles fans want a forward with size and skill and here he is. He may need some time to adjust to the NA game, but I have a feeling he will fit in very well, hopefully better than Evgeny Artyukhin.
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RAMen says:
Looking forward to finally seeing what this kid can bring to the table.
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Hoguefanclub says:
Exciting stuff.
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Chris R says:
If we put him in Bridgeport he might demand a release and run back to Russia. Travis Hamonic has a better chance of making the team in Training camp. Also, maybe Garth who can invite some AHL scorers who are similar to Matt Moulson to camp. You never know when they will break out and become legit NHL players.
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Mike in Bohemia says:
This brings even more hope for the future. Does anyone know where there’s some footage of this guy?
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Joe in Massapequa says:
CB, nice article. Again you are unmatched anywhere else.
I am excited to see this kid in action and see if he lives up to the hype.
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Hmmm…Petrov and if healthy Connolly…Poulin looking great…Harmonic and De Haan…mock Garth all you want but he has done a heckuva job
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ny711ot says:
First really encouraging bit of news in a while. Nonetheless this can’t be all snow does and ignore the marquis free agents. My guess is if there is some effort on his part petrov is on the big club to start the year. If they let him go back the isles may not have another shot to keep him.
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Shremp Co 13 says:
i’m officially stoked for this coming season. we pretty much rounded out our top 6 with him and possibly connelley. hopefully adding a veteran top 6 too. wingers are looking reallllll good right about now.
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Bryan says:
This is great news not only for Islanders fans, but for hockey its self. I have to imagine the NHL wants to get a labor transfer deal done before the draft so teams arent so reluctant to take players like this.
However, I worry about Russian players when they come to NA. He is going to need to start in the AHL, and I hope he doesn’t pout over that. I know there is very little precedent for this kind of stuff, but what will it cost to get him signed? We need to pay AK and sign him to a contract. Is it going to cost us a free agent or two if Wang opens the check book for him? -
19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
Well … This definitely is a step in the right direction.
It seems soooo long ago that he was drafted … Yet he’s still only 20 y/o.
He’s only 5 months older than John Tavares.
If he can stay in North America, and the Isles’ crack development staff can restore Petrov’s top tier potential … We just got ourselves a hugeee bonus … and I emphasize the word HUGE.
Petrov – Tavares – Okposo
Moulson – Bailey – ComeauA good start for a top 6 … If they all meet their potential.
We’ll still need a dynamic winger with speed, hands / scoring touch and brings it physically to make the Isles’ forward corps a feared lineup.
There are other obvious roster players I didn’t mention … they are in the mix too … but the Top 6 development for this team is Key! We already know the Isles are very good at developing 3rd and 4th line players … I’m less concerned with that.
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Spartiarti RVC says:
Getting Petrov to come here is like having another #1 pick this year. Isles have Tavares, Bailey, Okposo, DeHaan, Schremp, and Bergie that are all first rouders. Add who we draft at #5 and the isles are looking quite nice.
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bossy22 says:
Much better situation when he wants to leave the KHL to play in the NHL rather then playing in the NHL and getting a bigger offer from the KHL down the road as we’ve seen with many players. I’m excited to see what Petrov is made of. If he pans out……then WOW!!!!
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Great, Great, Great News. Snowy continues the magic (Schremp, Moulson, Rolo, Petrov, etc.)
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MorDraftPicks says:
A definite start in the right direction. As long as he’s here, a year at the Bridge might not be bad. Lets not put him in the hall of fame yet
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DoubleW says:
Now to dream… Sign Volchenkov, a fellow countrymen to make the transition easier for Kirill, and we have the start of a team that can contend.
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Brother Rat says:
Very nice! What a boon if we could actually get him to North America. 6’3″, 200+ lbs, and he was Russia’s leading scorer at the WJCs (with as many points as Nino, but I digress). He doesn’t seem to have many recent stats to go on, so his development would indeed seem to be stunted. If he comes to prospect camp, that doesn’t yet mean that he’s staying for next year, right? What has to happen for that, exactly? Can we buy out his KHL contract?
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DCJeff says:
Let’s all remember that if Petrov walks from his KHL deal he’s probably burning his bridge back to Russia. It makes sense since he’s not getting playing time over there, but it is going to take a lot of back room work by Snow, and possibly more $$$ than you’d expect to make this happen.
If he looks good at the June camp and if he sticks around over the summer (in Snow’s) we might see Petrov in the big leagues sooner than expected. It might be the only way to get him over here.
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PATRICK says:
Great news start a slow and boring friday… i hope we can get petrov here for good. see what the kid can do.. thats a first round talent being added to the club… i heard hes been not doing so well but a change of scenery may be what he needs
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I also want to add …
IF … Petrov turns out to be a 25+ goal scorer … power forward with an edge … your proto-typical playoff type clutch performer … and
… Harmonic turns out to be a bone crushing shut down defenseman with some good offensive skills … and
Josh Bailey turns out to be a solid 20+ goal scorer (16 shows he can) with 40+ assists …
Then Snow / Janks will have done an outstanding impersonation of Bill Torrey.
I will then write an open apology to Garth for ever doubting him. But before that … lets see how he does this offseason. His picks still need to shake out.
Oh … also. If his goaltending picks of the last 2 drafts become successful mainstays in the organization. What becomes of DP? I know … I’m getting way ahead of myself.
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Irish Isle says:
This is good news, but there is still work to be done.
Though I like the part that he wants to stay on the Island over the summer. Maybe someone should slip him directions to Brighton Beach with his plane ticket.
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Diane says:
Interesting. I guess now’s the time to get him, he’s just 20….
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Mike says:
This is good news. Eventually the team is going to hit on some talent that can fill the net. This could be a really, really nice bonus.
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hyedray says:
Very good news.
Lets see if he can make an impression at mini camp—and perhaps get here for next season. Until his name is on a signed deal to play here next year, I am not holding my breath—but a very solid move in that direction! Great!
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James says:
I am genuinely intrigued by his arrival. However, I really don’t know much about him. Does anybody know why type of player he is?
Is his upside that of a goal scorer? Playmaker? Power forward?
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Nobody says:
Just as an add on to 19 Isle, if you add the potential (getting closer to fruition) of Bailey, Petrov, Hamonic, Martin. Poulin, and Donavan alone you have a massive HR draft, and that’s not even considering the possibilities of ness and trivino.
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Stumpy32 says:
Great news. This doesn’t mean the guy is a guaranteed superstar, but if he makes the NHL roster, he’s likely a marked improvement from the guy he replaces. Just keep trending upward, Islanders, so next year, I’m not stuck getting wistful when watching a playoff game between two teams I couldn’t care less about.
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Jim Clark says: He can’t make the roster in the KHL, a league where Chris Simon is an all-star. The perfect Islander signing.
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Eastonhockey says:
If he can’t make a Russian team then he either won’t help isles any time soon or the NHL is a 2nd class league. Either one is bad.
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Don says:
Exactly Stumpy32, he will push people down the depth chart and increase the skill level of the forwards.
Again, this speaks directly to the Islanders mantra of young talent. Here is a big, strong, talented and young player who wants to be here. Granted the contract issues are there, but they seems to be some light on that issue. I don’t think anyone would be against this.
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Mark P says:
Half of season in Bridgeport would be best-Especially if the #1 pick ends up being a forward who stays with the team.
I am getting closer and closer to accepting the trade downs at the draft 2 years ago. -
battfist says:
Thanks for the update!!!
How can you not like this news?!
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jimfromstjames says:
to the guys trashing him for not being able to crack a KHL line-up, They ( AK BARS ) are well aware he is leaving eventually, since they have no vested interest in him, why play him?
I’ve seen some tape of him playing, think KO with more finish.
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Chris says:
If he comes over here for camp, he isn’t going back to Russia. Mark my words.
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eric says:
very exciting news. I am really looking forward to next year and seeing which prospects make the team. Will DeHaan make the team? or Hamonic? would be AMAZING if Petrov can pan out to be a Malkin type player, I don’t think I would be able to stop smiling, but I hope he doesn’t end up being another Kvasha. Kvasha was big and had alot of talent too, it just never really worked out anywhere for him. Its easy to get excited about all the players and prospects we have, but I guess every team really has prospects to get excited aboout too, I just wonder if ours are any better. For #11′s comment about petrov having a pudgy face, I laughed so hard coffee almost poured out of my nose!
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Adam says:
Great News. This is why you stock up on draft picks and trade every player not nailed down before the deadline to get as many picks as possible so you can take a gamble like this!
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dose says:
all i know about this guy is what i’ve read here, but this can’t be bad. until now even good things had a way of going real sour real fast for this franchise. but now – i’m almost afraid to say – it’s hard to not believe they really are on their way (to credibility and respectability that is). i guess the only real downside would be if the guy stinks. but many never thought he’d get here at all, so even then, no harm no foul.
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bcarey says:
“the team’s main camp in China in September.”
Every time I read this, I cringe.
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Pete says:
All I can say is: YES!
Even if this kid never pans out…at least we gave him the chance, and to me, that’s all that matters. (Hoping he pans out, btw)
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thepolishprince says:
Very encouraging news.
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isle5 says:
We’re on our way back & the world knows it! If only the Town of Hempstead knew it & would just give us some good news on The Lighthouse instead they have their heads up their rearends! The foundation has been laid JT,KO etc. Now lets make this summer the last summer we are not talking about how the Islanders did in the playoffs. Git her done Garth!
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IzzyFranchise says:
Awesome news.
If this guy comes over here to stay, no way he’s goes to B’port. No way. -
Blizzard says: …well hopefully we can develop his potential in our system. As it stands he had zero icetime for AK Bars so he certainly isnt ready to step in and play in the NHL.
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Hock says:
The organization is beginning to accumulate some nice assets. This can only be a good thing, whether they fit in here or become trading chips.
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Pair him with Kovi
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GilliesKO says:
The rebuild slowly rising from its foundation. Nice.
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Who cares where they hold camp. No one seems to cringe when they Isles travel to Moncton or Saskatchewan. I’m ecstatic that Petrov is getting a chance to come to camp. This is a good sign along with the signing of Gillies. Maybe Martin makes the team, too. Maybe things aren’t as doom and gloom as the typical Islander fan reaction.
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Schultz39 says:
Sounds good….let’s just hope he’s not the next Oleg.
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Strummer's Army says:
This is exciting news! Petrov coming, Gillies resigned, 5th overall pick plus, 2 seconds, & 2 thirds. Should Snow wish to act the table is set for him to greatly improve the Isles this summer.
Chris Botta, when do you think we’ll hear about Poulin, Hamonic, Neimi etc are signed? I’m guessing Isles struck out on the college UFA’s you wrote about?
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dlk says:
This is good news, but really, some of you need to get a grip.
This team as presently constructed is no where near being a contender.
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Smokey a.k.a. Botta is God says:
I’ve seen him play several times. He’s first-line material. This kid is no joke. He’ll need to adjust to the North American style, but I would consider him better than Niederreiter, who’s projected to go top ten in this draft.
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Since72 says:
Yea Kenny Peters from Sudbury
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UIF says:
Agent sort of balked at the Bridgeport question, eh? I hope he doesn’t pull a Filatov-Fit and he realizes there’s a spot for him on the team even if it requires some acclimation in the AHL.
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#59 AMEN
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Chris Mc says:
When I read that CB wrote in one of his posts a couple days ago that Petrov could be coming over next year I thought that was optimistic. It’s amazing how we were able to get him over here as soon as we did. It’s like adding another first round pick to the mix this year.
And I agree battery, eastonhockey should really change his name to eeyorehockey. oh bother.
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Staten Islander says:
Great news, I can’t wait till they get him into camp so they can see what they have.
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Mike Manhasset says:
Same strategy – Kabanov? Doesnt this mean we are allowed another risky pick??
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TradeUp says:
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, all these players are still prospects. They won’t all be stars. In fact, none may be. Looks to me like we have a bunch of solidly average players in our future. Even KO and JT have a lot to achieve before they can prove themselves as legitimate 1st line players. It’s nice to have hope that one of these guys can develop into a star, but we need a lot more than one first line player. The lack of visibility regarding Garth’s rebuild worry’s me. If he does not go out and get a legitimate first line scorer and top Dman, I have to assume he (and Wang) is looking for another year of high draft picks.
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A few questions:
1- If Petrov has hardly been getting any ice time with AK Bars … Why? I don’t buy the not wanting to invest time in a player thing. Coaches (as we’ve seen with the Isles) … don’t consider the future … They play to win now.
2- With the Isles training in China … Don’t they have to know his availability as soon as possible to get him a Visa? Russia to China?
3- Would Wang retain his rights if Wang decides to start a KHL team in China? … China and Russia being so attached in a Continental kinda way.
4- I wonder if Rookie Camp is going to be closed to GA again this Summer?
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Hollywood says:
Huge news! Forget Bridgeport and let him make this team! He has explosive speed and ability!
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GE of GN says:
I can’t wait. Kirill the thrill!!
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Vlad from Brooklyn says:
Finally, some russian flavor! Can’t wait to see this happened.
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IslesFaninFl says:
Awesome news, cant wait to see the kid in action, especially at camp with the rest of the boys. Next year we should be looking good if we make a good pick and sign a good free agent.
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Big Van Vader says:
Just saw him on Youtube. Kid has great ability to get open. You can see his skill set and ability to score. ANNNND he gets open in front of the net. Would be great for all those passes from Tavares to currently NO ONE……
You all should take a look….
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“This team as presently constructed is no where near being a contender.”
presently shmesently.
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Mikey says:
A few thoughts and questions:
1- Is Wang willing to send a couple briefcases of cash to his KHL team? That’s likely what it would take to get him out of his contract.
2- Charles should not even bother sending the cash if Petrov is not willing to go to Bridgeport. We can’t have our players commandeering the management. If the coach determines that Petrov needs some time in CT to adapt to the system and learn the NA game, then he must be willing to go there and work hard. -
Mario from Bensonhurst says:
Take a shot on Kabanov in Rd 2 if he is there. Kiril Squared at the Coliseum next year!!!!!!!!!
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I am an Islander fan from Canada. I was able to see Petrov play three times TSN as they cover most WJC games. I was definitely impressed. 1st round talent. He lead the Russians in points and a steal for a third round pick. Good finishing touch around the net something the Isles need. He doesn’t go looking for contact but doesn’t shy away from it either. Great hands and above average skater (not great). Weird skating motion (almost upright) but gets to where he wants to go. The player who created the most chances on the Russian team was Tarasenko. We should not be disappointed if Garth trades down to 7-10 and gets him. He is explosive!!!!!! This kid is really good. Great skater and moves. Not very big though. Not small either. About 6′. I still want Gudbranson or Niederreiter though. Niderreither was the best overall player for me at the WJC. Skates well, scores, and has a mean streak. When Hamonic got hurt (and I’m Canadian) TSN caught Niederreiter skating away laughing.
We should not rush any of our prospects in to the NHL though. Detroit does it right and gets it right over and over again. Let the kids develop in the AHL (Dehann, Hamonic, Petrov, Poulin, etc.) unless they stand out so much at camp that you have to keep them. Ideally, Snow signs Hamhuis and another NHL defenseman (I like Seidenberg) and trades for Hartnell or signs Torres (both tough and score goals). People here love to write about Volchenkov and that we should get him. I definitely don’t mind him but he plays such a physical game that he always gets hurt. He never plays a full season. The last three years he played 68, 67, and 64 games respectively. Don’t complain if he misses 15-20 games a year for at least 4 million dollars a year. -
Never easy being an Isles Fan says:
Taveras centering Petrov and Okposo, has a nice ring to it
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Yay! Come to us, Petrov!
To the ones who already have a 20yo kid like Kirill signed off as a nobody because of his situation with Ak Bars: what-EVER- the rest of us are psyched to see this kid!
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The New Isles GM says:
Maybe there really is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow….
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Great news, but I will wait and see if all the hype is true. Still, I can’t help but be excited about october. Please Garth, Let Us big time Isles fans have an enjoyable summer, You can make it happen!
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Petrov has tremendous upside. He’ll need a full season in B’port, perhaps more. There is a small chance, if all falls into place, that we see him late next season as a call-up.
58: “Who cares where they hold camp.”
Remember when Okposo sustained that nasty hit to the head last year in the preseason? Imagine having to fly him home from China with a concussion. Or anyone for that matter. I just think it’s a stupid idea. I didn’t cringe when it was in Saskatchewan because that’s not a 22-hour flight across an ocean and around the world.
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Cary says:
Anyone know his stats before we get too excited?
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Petrov
Okposo
TavaresThe POT line?
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Tim F. says:
America . . . what a country.
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steve k. says:
I won’t be excited until I actually see him play. The only thing I know about him is his name, his picture and the fact he could have gone as early as the mid-first round.
I’m glad we’ll see him on American ice, but my expectations aren’t too high.
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Dave says:
Saw 2 of Russia’s WJC games and Petrov played physical. Think his play was actually hindered by being on a line with Filatov. Thought Petrov and Bobkov were by far Russia’s elite players.
Look forward to seeing him play in the exhibition game in Saskatoon in September.
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cjzimm says:
He played really well at the WJC in December. So good that he was named captain after a few games (replaced Filatov) which is a good sign. At times looked like a man playing with boys. Though rumors about motivation and being coachable have been spread and the reason behind why he didn’t play in KHL (can’t believe any info coming from KHL). I would definitely look into getting a Russian mentor for him so he doesn’t get overwhelmed. Ovechkin really learned alot last year from guys like Federov and Kozlov. Volchenchov may work.
At the WJC, Petrov, Harmonic, Donovan, de haan and even Klementyev played very well. Lets get theys guys into camp (and healthy) and see what they can do.
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JoeRiverside says:
He’s 6’3″ 205 lbs? I think the Isles only carry jerseys in Small & Medium. Time to place an order.
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AngryPete says:
More like;
Tavares
Okposo
PetrovThe TOP line …. literally AND figuratively
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YabbaDabbaDooDoo says:
If ifs and buts were candies and nuts we’d all have a nice Christmas.
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(Sim)ple says:
I mean it sucks that we always seem to get better news in our offseason than during it but I’ll take what I can get with this team. Cannot wait to see Kirill over here. And I agree with a couple of posters, having another Russian on the team would benefit him.
And technically it can’t be TOP or POT. Okposo is no center. Sorry, but have to do it by the book.
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Frans Dish says:
If Petrov pans out, we draft Connolloy, and Joenssu makes it in the NHL, the Islanders will have some descent size on the team. I know it’s a huge if but, hey a man can dream. I think Connolly Tavares Okposo could be a mean ruggid line with balanced scoring.
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Someone else to look forward to at prospect camp. this will help make the summer a little easier to take.
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Hockey1919 says:
Good news, now we know why CB mentioned the possibility of Petrov joining the team next year. Bring him over and see what he can do, hopefully work out the logisitics of Bridgeport or Long Island before he gets here so that it is all very clear what the team’s developmental plans are. From what I’m reading, he’ll need ice time and it will cost money.
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Ethan K says:
This is great news. For all the naysayers who say “he can’t crack a KHL lineup, so he can’t make an NHL lineup”, it doesn’t work like that. The KHL doesn’t spend time developing young players. They put in the older, experienced, fully developed players that are ready to win now. Petrov is a few years away from his prime, but if you expect him to be a seasoned pro at age 20, then that’s just unfair.
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beatlebailey says:
excited about Petrov..hope we take the best forward available in the draft ( Connolly?) Man it would be great to have a good offensive team..we have stunk on offense for so long!…trade the two second rounders to move up and gran the best D-man available and the Islanders will start to have some talent system wide…not too shabby!!
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O.Bender says:
If he’s anything like the other Petrov (Vladimir from the 70′s), then the Isles are golden.
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jonsson3 says:
6’3″ 205…Bring it on!!!!
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goislesgo105 says:
WELCOME COMRADE!!!
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ken says:
#93 – classic comment. nice.
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Scott S. from Long Beach says:
This is definitely good news – but we need to stop giving out awards because of things that have happened off the ice. Our on ice product is still very unsuccessful.
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stevewebbcouldntskate says:
6’3 205 doesn’t mean anything about his toughness. kvasha was 6’5 235. and also with nino neidereitter. would half the people here be as excited about him if his name was john smith and he was from toronto? because his name is catchy, people already want to call him an all star. really don’t have any point here, but it’s not really constructive for people to be throwing opinions around here about players they’ve never seen play. just saying
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Tom 27 says:
Ahhh the tide might yet be turning our way……and is it me or does the name Connelly and injuries go hand in hand ????
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znatokhokkeya says:
why people are so excited? if he is so good why he didn’t crack AK BARS lineup?
size does matter. I hope he has some skills also. -
WM says:
And Volchenkov would be a great free agent signing for the Isles this off-season. Some snarl on defense to complement Streit, Hillen, etc.
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Ari From Long Island says:
In Garth We Trust!!!
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steve says:
watched petrov play on tv at world jrs. easily one of the best players, if not the best player, on the russian team.
how is that not a good thing? i guess our tandem of SNOW-JANKS know what they are doing, eh? dont sweat the draft this summer. they will CONTINUE to do a fine job. worry about the guys at B-port developing. Bport staff has done a great job, lets hope more unexpected suprises
(a-mac for example) appear next season.
rebuilds are about skill in the draft, but some luck too. -
Ricky T says:
I watched Petrov closley during the televised Russian games at the WJC’s on the NHL network. I saw a very gifted offensive player, probably the most talented on his team and in the two games I watched, the most talented offensive player in either game. However, he did tend to float, looking almost exclusively for breakout chances and played almost no defense. What was funny, is that he was even on the penalty kill a couple of times and still floated near his defensive blueline looking for a breakout pass while trying to kill the penalty. I’m sure we can teach him how to play defense because he will need to in our system. But his talent and skill are clearly top tier for a player of that size and age. I’m very excited about this.
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Max'n the Hamptons says:
Anyone know how good of a skater petrov is? I didn’t really see him in the WJC
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gary91922 says:
Let’s all take a deep breath and realize that with the good things coming regarding youth we are still 9mil below cap floor.
Petrov, Harmonic and Bailey for Schenn is a steal if they all end up witht he big club.To be succesful this summer Garth and Charles need to do the following:
Get Petrov in our system and teach him the un-swxy parts of the game
Rework the DP and Yashin deals so the cap hit is as big as possible the next two years. We will need the space as our you hits RFA and UFA yearts
Sign KO now and get the cap hit out of the way.
Spend up to 12 mil on free agents (if it makes good hockey sense) we need some vets that actually have their best hockey in front of them. You will have to overpay for one to prove a point. Might as well pay for Patrick Marlow.
Draft a big strong D man (whomever they see as best still on the table at #5)
Package next years #1 and whatever picks from this year to get another #1.Sounds like a lot of work, but its doable if they hit the roa, work the phones, beg7, borrow, steel and whatever else they have to do!!!!!!
Petrov was a nbice move then… Now it looks VERY smart. If the kid plays well it will be genious!!!!
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Terry99 says:
Another piece that should fit snuggly in this Islander puzzle. Watching this team start from scratch and slowly rebuild is actually very exciting and rarely seen in pro sports. Gotta love the direction this franchise is going. I’m trying to snub my optimism but….wow.
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admin says:
Comments thread closed. Thanks for playing! Enjoy the weekend…CB
Great news. I saw 2 of the WJC games over the holidays and he looked like the only Russian who cared. B’Port or the Island – whichever he earns.