PROSPECT CAMP A SHOWCASE FOR PETROV
Russian writer Dmitry Chesnokov explains all
Comments thread closed.
9:00 am: When North American hockey reporters want to check their facts or learn something more about Russian hockey players, they call on Dmitry Chesnokov. By now many of you are familiar with Dmitry’s work at Puck Daddy on Yahoo. He also writes for Sovetsky Sport in Russia and is a must-follow on Twitter.
Just before the draft and UFA mania, DC tweeted:
Kirill Petrov, who will attend the NYI’s training camp, said he will come back to Russia if he doesn’t make the team.
In an email exchange, and with Islanders Prospect Camp opening this week at the Coliseum (only the Saturday night scrimmage is open to the general public), I asked Dmitry for clarification of his remark.
Dmitry, can you start by giving a little more detail on your tweet about Petrov?
Petrov told KHL.ru “I notified the team management [Ak Bars] that on June 28 I am flying to Atlanta where I will get ready [for the new season]. And from July 5 through 15, I will be in New York where the Islanders’ coaches will decide whether I make the team or not. If I can’t make it, I will come back to Kazan to Ak Bars’ pre-season camp.”
From your tweet, it would appear that you have confirmed that Kirill Petrov is not only coming to Islanders prospect camp, as planned, but also their main training camp in September? Did I read that accurately?
No, I think he was talking about the rookie camp.
Is your understanding that Kazan Ak Bars has given him their complete permission to attend the Islanders’ training camp in September?
I do think so. At the end of the day, most KHL teams will not stand in the way of young Russian players who truly want to play in the NHL.
Did you speak with Kirill?
Not before I posted on Twitter. Just read his brief interview. Kirill says he wants to try with the Islanders. He also said he wished the Islanders would pick (Alex) Burmistrov because it would be much easier for him to play in New York, because he and Burmistrov are good friends. Burmistrov is also from the Kazan system.
Is Kirill confirming that if he doesn’t make the Islanders’ opening night lineup, he will play in Kazan?
I can’t put words in his mouth. He said he’d come back to Russia if he couldn’t make the Islanders’ first team. Whether he stays there or decides to go back to North America will be determined after the rookie camp in July. That’s what I think.
Do you know how much he would make with Ak Bars?
He actually is not making much. Most players his age don’t make much money. That leaves the chance of a buyout. If a KHL player pays 2/3 of his contract, he can walk. From what I understand, only the late Alexei Cherepanov, of the most recent players out of Russia, was making good money.
Personally, especially knowing that the Islanders are not exactly bursting up front with established talent, do you believe Petrov can make the Islanders out of training camp?
I don’t know for sure. I do think Kirill will look for assurances and some belief that, even is he doesn’t make the cut, he will not be buried in the minors forever.
He has two years left on his deal with Kazan. If he made the Islanders, besides negotiating a contract would the Islanders have to make an arrangement with Ak Bars and the NHL?
Not necessarily. There are a few avenues the team can pursue. As long as there is dialogue, the KHL contract should not be an issue. And, as I pointed out in my article in June, spending a couple of years in the KHL, playing for one of the best, if not the best teams over there is not as bad as some people on this side of the pond want everyone to believe.
Finally, do you have any sense of Petrov’s feelings toward the Islanders? Is he excited about the possibility of joining the organization and signing an Entry Level deal?
I think he is sincerely excited about the opportunity. I think he is taking this chance as seriously as anyone can. Entry Level deal or not, he wants to try to play in the best league in the world. The Entry Level contract is the ticket. He should only know that it’s in his hands to make it happen. He needs to believe that.
Comments on Kirill Petrov and this post. Now that it’s been 12 hours since Newsday wrote that the Islanders’ pursuit is over, the Kovalchuk live blog is kaput. Tickets for the Islanders’ prospect scrimmage on Saturday night are $10. Check the official team site for details.
93 Responses to PROSPECT CAMP A SHOWCASE FOR PETROV
Russian writer Dmitry Chesnokov explains all
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geduffer says:
You and me both. Kirill Petrov may be the real deal, but if he’s a prima donna trade his rights and be done with it. Petrov making the team is not going to suddenly make me sign up for an 8th year.
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Mikey Pants says:
Sounds like this little Russian guy is already Americanized…”If I don’t get my way, I’m going Home”…You know how many of those kids I grew up with over the years…Those were the kids that I had to beat senseless just for sheer fun!
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Will says:
From what CB has written about this kid he was buried in the minors in the KHL and is worried the same will happen here. All this kid needs is reassurance that if he plays up to his ability he’ll have a legitimate shot of making this team. Kid plays wing? Great, we only have Moulson (and maybe Bailey?) on the left side. Get out there and play. Just be better than Joensuu and Martin. He’s worried about the politics of the game, but all he needs to know is that the best players will play here. I don’t see this being a problem.
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thepolishprince says:
Sounds like he wants a roster spot handed to him on a platter. He’d better have all sorts of skills if he expects that.
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Nyles says:
I hope he makes the team. and we stink, o he should make it.
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IsleFan73 says:
Give the kid a break. First, let him put his skates on and talk for himself, not through some third party. The attitude on this board by posters, not CB, is getting so negative. Already some of you are trading him and calling him names.
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Vlad from Brooklyn says:
What if he makes the Team and in the middle of the season Isles decide to send him to Bridgeport? If his comments are true I don’t see him making any sense. Unless he has very deep roots back in Russia which hold him there for whatever reasons.
Opinion: If Kirill feels welcomed enough in NY – he’s not going anywhere. -
matt says:
CB first off thanks for getting us something new to talk about all of us went alittle crazy yesterday. Second i dont see him not making this team with the talent he has. I am excited to see him play on sat night and lets keep going with this rebuild i expect to be right there in a race for a playoff apot ant we all saw what can happend once you get in.
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mark p says:
He needs a half of season in AHL…..I don’t remember seeing anything info from the KHL saying he was all that good in that league…..he needs to learn the NA game first
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kevin fitz says:
Doesn’t want to pay his dues? Trade him.
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KK says:
Great info story CB. Thanks for that.
Really hope Petrov can make the team. I didn’t realize he is 6ft 3in. That’s handy, something we don’t have enough of obviously.
Did I say I really hope he can make the team?!!
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Darren says:
You all are missing the point.After the Kovy nightmare/smoke-screen can we all agree that the Isles MUST draft their star players?Well here we got a guy that should easily be able to make the team and that’s all Petrov is saying.Read between the lines.This is a kid coming over from another country to play w/ pros he’s never met,coaches who never coached him,a massive culture shock and language issues.All he’s looking for is assurance from Isles brass that this opportunity is not a smokescreen.Lets be real about this.It will take some time for him to adjust to the way the game is played here.W/ that said if he comes over and does nothing but be average in this camp and the Isles choose a 3rd line prospect/player(w/ no upside) over him then he’s gone.Can’t say I blame him.Give this kid a spot and a legit chance to succeed and I believe we may have a diamond in the ruff.Maybe not a superstar but significantly better than what we already have.This francise is in shambles and they need a glimmer of hope!!Don’t blow this one!!!Give the guy a chance.Go Isles.
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(Sim)ple says:
Doesn’t sound like he wants the spot handed to him. All he said was if he didnt make the team he would go back to Russia. Why play in the AHL here when you can play in the KHL? Even if he only
plays on their minor team its more competitive than the minors here. -
nobody says:
uuhh, no one makes the team out of rookie camp. So, I guess we know he’s going home. I didn’t read anything that suggests he is committed to earning a spot in training camp. Bye Bye
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Brutal Truth says:
Really, everyone calling him a Prima Donna? Remove the rose colored glasses and realize the Isles just are not that talented…so the kid wants a spot, if he plays well enough and earns it, let him start in the NHL.
It’s like a moderately good looking girl coming up to a really ugly guy…and he turns her down.
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Doug says:
Sounds like another Russian headcase…
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I dont blame him for wanting to go back if he doesnt make the team. Its not easy moving to a country by yourself. Plus what makes the AHL better then where he would be playing in Russia
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Islesfan in Vancouver says:
sounds like he’s expecting to have a decision about whether or not he’s on the team after prospect camp, and not coming to training camp. If that’s the case, how do you guarantee him a spot watching him against your other prospects, instead of watching him with the full team?
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illicit says:
He is still under contract, so I have no problem with him honoring it if he doesn’t make the Isles. I’m just not sure how he thinks he is going to make the team out of prospect camp.
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UIF says:
The AHL is an important part of developing your own prospects. Rather see him there than back in Russia, where it seems his development has not gone so smoothly. He could probably be more of an impact NHL player going forward playing a season in the AHL this year rather than another wasted season on some KHL minor affiliate. Making the team right out of camp after not being able to make his KHL team last season? Not so sure about that.
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4theisles says:
How can he expect to get a yes or no if he only plays on the rookie squad? The obvious answer is that if he gets good marks with the prospects and is invited to the September camp he then has another decision to make = we are not talking about Sid the kid.
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Ed in Westchester says:
The guy simply said if he doesn’t make the Isles, he will go back to Russia, where, by the way, he has a contract. I don’t believe he has one with the Islanders.
We are so quick to pummel guys based on quotes, which is particularly troublesome when the quotes in question are translated from another language. We need to be a bit more mindful of that part of the equation here. -
Brutal Truth (#11) – Nobody actually called him a prima donna. I’m the only one who brought it up and I said “If he’s a prima donna then trade his rights.” What I’m actually hoping for is that he comes in and makes the team in training camp. If he’s going to determine where he plays based on prospect camp, then he may as well stay over there because prospect camp isn’t for making the team. It’s for showing the GM and coaches what you’ve got and to begin the process of learning all that’s involved in becoming a professional.
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Andre says:
The harsh reality is that unless there is a miracle of god and the Islanders sign a top tier free agent, it should be Petrov’s job to lose. He has more talent than the scrubs they signed.
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JoeRiverside says:
Petrov is a 1st Round Talent. He was impressive in the World Juniors, leading his Russian team in scoring, but the knock on him has been his lack of defensive play. Talent wise, I believe he has more upside than anyone currently in Bridgeport. I hope he impresses and make the Big Club roster. What do we have to lose?
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Pete says:
Give him the same shot every other prospect has to make the team. We have about 2-3 forward positions open for training camp.
You know Nino, Kabanov, Joensuu, and Martin should be gunning hard for them. Petrov needs to step up and force the issue.
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bob l says:
CB, this is complicated is it not? he needs to sign in order to get that 9 game trial possibility, but he wont sign unless he’s basically told he’ll make the team, so to me it sounds like a catch 22 situation
unless of course we just give him sim’s 11 minutes, do we think petrov can throw 120 hits and score 22 points this year?
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we will be a good team . . . in a decade!!!
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jimfromStjames says:
I understand that He’d want to go back to the KHL instead of the AHL, but
A) the play in the AHL is bout the same as the KHL ( according to the players who have played in both leagues ) and
B) and this is a big one, is the Tigers are playing the same system as the isles. If he never learns the system, he’ll be at a disadvantage to all of the guys who have played in the AHL and might never make the team.
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Staten Islander says:
Somebody needs to sit him down and splain the facts of life to him
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potvinrocks says:
So from one confusing story about a Russian to another. Well there is room in the top 6.
How much longer are we going to be terrorable before we do anything to make ourself better? -
Dan says:
Let him walk we don’t need people like that on this team!
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goislesgo105 says:
The only hope we have of the Isles ever getting any better is for guys like Petrov to become NHL players. We are NOT signing any UFA’s that will make a difference and take us to the playoffs and the cup. If Nino, Petrov, Hamonic, etc. don’t do it, all we have to look forward to is more of the same lousy hockey we have watched this team play for the last 20 years!
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Manhattan Mike says:
hahaha – this kid has got some attitude. Somebody is going lay him out in camp – watch.
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AJAX says:
Great. The hits just keep on coming.
On a side note, there is a 99.999% chance I will not even fork over $10 to this team, especially for a scrimmage. -
onesinceforty says:
Our somewhat better depth these days should obviate a need to hand jobs out undeserved. If he earns it then this can be a great place for him. Let the competition begin!
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doc says:
Amazing how quickly everyone is so critical of everything islanders. The isles took a chance on him in the 3rd round for these very reasons. Petrov has done nothing wrong… if he makes the team then great. If not… then maybe next year.
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I think his fear is reasonable. Burying him in the minors won’t be a good thing, but the Islanders have always been fair to give their prospects an honest chance to make the team.
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Barney Stinson says:
Well, at least he’s honest.
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Not ever living in the states, he might be a bit weary of living in Bridgeport CT not knowing anyone really. The change in lifestyle might not be the easiest. Beyond that, I don’t know what to make of those comments.
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ODG says:
CB thanks for a great story. Assuming that we do not sign a remaining top 6 free agent that is available (Afinigenov, Frolov, Zherdev) how likely is it that Nino, Kabanov or Petrov make the team?
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Brian in VA says:
Nice gamble pick Snow… Once he talks to Kabonov its keput for the Russian prospects… With the 1st pick in the 2011/2012/2013/2014/etc. the Islanders select… Slow and Steady Rebuild I LOVE IT!
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Kaszycki's Krew says:
Hey # 11 ! What if the ugly guy is filthy rich ? LOL !
Lets see what Kirill Petrov brings into Rookie Camp and see how it flies. Petrov has to remember that he is a third round pick….not a first rounder……and should sign a two way contract here and we should commit to (assuming he has a terrific rookie camp) 9 NHL games to start the season. Let him earn his way on.
What do we have to lose- I agree with the basic “Brutal Truth” here – in that our team could probably use Petrov….and lets see if he can produce in terms of effort and attitude and play good defense……and then see what happens. I mean, with Jeff Tamby and Simmer and Bergie gone – there are jobs open… Lets see who wants it the most!
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
I hope he makes the team. Kinda sounds like a Filatov waiting to happen. They took the captaincy from Filatov and gave it to him at WJC, hopefully he has a better attitude. It is kinda scary for a young kid to come to a foreign country, but gez, how many players have survived the transition. Every one!
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jim in 226 says:
Where do all you guys get that he feels he deserves a spot/prima donna etc. If he doesn’t make the squad, which he obviously wants to, he is going to go back home. He hasn’t even gotten a ELC from the isles yet…i would go home and get paid as well. If the Isles can guarantee he is gonna get paid, even if it is in the Bridge for a while, with the idea that if he PROVES himself there he can get a call up—well then he might stay. I took from his quote that he wants to prove himself worthy of a spot and if he can’t, and the isles tell him there is nothing he can do to crack a roster spot in the future, he will return to Kazan rather than disappear into the minors here, where he knows noone and nothing about the country. Either place he can continue to develop his game.
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jeff says:
Not fair to draw conclusions from hearsay, but this guy sounds like he has a serious attitude problem.
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Isles 22 says:
cut the guy some slack. He still is under contract for 2 more years. If he can not make the isles this year he wants to honor that contract for atleast another season, big deal. It’s not like we are overloaded with talent. He might just make the team.
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bossjones1 says:
I think people need to relax a little he’s young and obviously has some issues leaving home. We would get nothing back in a trade if he doesn’t want to come here. The key is to bring him over, show him some LI floozies and then he will stay. Lets see what he can do on the ice before we judge.
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Steve says:
If he deserves to be in the minors then he should man up and take his assignment. Sounds like he is a little insecure about his chances, and lets be honest, if he cant crack THIS team of yo-yo’s with two decent lines, maybe he should go back to Russia anyways.
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i cant wait to see Petrov, Kabanov,Nino, Harmonic, DeHann and Brock at this camp this sat will sure be interesting to finally see all these guys live
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Ethan K says:
Plenty of players have gone back to Russia for an extra season rather than playing in the AHL. He didn’t say “If I don’t make the NHL right now, I’ll never play for the Islanders. I won’t ever play in the AHL.” He can develop his game a little more over in Russia, and then come back next year and sign his entry level deal.
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Francis says:
For everyone saying he’s a prima donna for not wanting to some here and play in the A, remember, for him to do that, he has to pay off 2/3rd of his current contract. Is it worth it to him to do that and play on the AHL-level of an ELC? Not bloody likely. He’ll probably be losing money just to play in the AHL.
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ricky T says:
Holy smokes! We have already complained that the team won’t sign any significant FA’s. Now we’re complaining that one of our most talented prospects is not good enough for the team because he’s 19 and signed to a contract in the KHL that he wants to honor if he can’t get an NHL contract, or so says a third party. I watched the WJC and two entire Russian games to watch Petrov. He was easily the best offensive player on the ice in both games. He played much better than Filatov. He’s big, strong and fast in addition to his great puck skills. He was touted as a TOP 5 OR TOP 10 talent in the 08 draft but dropped because he had already signed a 4 year KHL contract.If you ever want the Isle’s to be better, you have to give guys like this a chance.
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admin says:
Please follow the comment guidelines and write about the specific post – in this case (as noted) Kirill Petrov. Otherwise, the best site to visit would be an Islanders message board. Thank you…CB
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T says:
For all the alarmists out there…
the Islanders once had a hot shot solvakian prospect that didn’t make the big club out of camp, left the Islanders and went to play at home.
His name was Zigmund Palffy…
Did he have an attitude problem?
No….he felt it was better to play at home, it was the wrong decision but he made it and paid for it the following season.
We forget these guys are 18, 19 and 20 years old….how mature were you at that age?
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Strummer's Army says:
I have a real bad taste in my mouth for all things Islanders right now after the stunt they pulled on all of us this weekend, so reading this about another Russian winger doesn’t help at all.
My hope is things were lost in translation a little bit by the time it got to Botta. He needs to win his job at TRAINING camp. I guess what he is saying is he’ll be back if the Isles tell him he has an opportunity to earn a spot on the NHL roster this year even if he has to play in the Bridge for a bit first. He wants to be sure they don’t think he’s a year or two away. If that is what he meant then that is understandable. Apparently he doesn’t watch the Isles much or read PB because if he did he’d know he has a really great shot at being on the opening night roster.
Draft was really great and created positive feelings….not so much since then NYI.
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richie66 says:
I wouldnt mind if he goes back home for another year, better have him over there playing 20mins than here only getting 5mins a game
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dose says:
when mike bossy came here in 1977 he also was supposed to be a prima donna. even he admitted his teammates didn’t accept him right away and he had to learn to get back on defense and work harder before he earned their respect. he turned out pretty good i’d say. talent like that sometimes needs to be culivated, like a diamond in the rough. sometimes the special ones can be tempermental, a little difficult to polish. they picked this guy for good reason. it’d be a mistake to not see it through.
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Ryan says:
I really can’t blame him for going back to the KHL if he does not make the team. You have to remember that if he does not make the team and he has to pay to buy out his contract (NHL teams cannot do that) than the kid will have no money, stuck in america with people he has never met before. Or he could go back home, play with guys he already knows, be way closer to his family, and be getting paid more money, playing in a better league. If i was russian, I know I would be back to the KHL if I did not make the team, which is not a bad thing at all.
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JayK says:
T — #58 — good point. And what’s different this time is that the KHL is certainly considered a far superior league than whatever Ziggy played in. It’s a legitimate option for a lot of players, so simply dismissing somebody out of hand because they’ve raised the KHL as an option is not recognizing the reality that it’s a competitive threat, at some level, to the NHL.
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Madchef says:
I certainly don’t blame the guy for wanting some sort of idea about his role with the team before uprooting his entire life. It will be interesting what players may be brought in to the team now that Kovalchuk is a no. I just dont see how Petrov getting a slot on the team this year will not yield better results than some of the AHL players we have fielded in the last few seasons. He cant pot 15 goals? We could sure use some upbeat news.
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Islebethere4u says:
I like the idea of having him. I think he could make the team out of prospect camp just as Tavares made it straight out of the draft. Playing in the KHL could be considered a minor league stint. Remember, he was a no risk draft at the time and still could be considered a steal if he pans out.Give him a chance, no one is handing anything to anyone yet.,
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Al L says:
#60! The difference between Mike Bossy and this kid is Mike worked diligently,without veiled threats about leaving the team if he didn’t make the roster immediately. Being cohersed into forcing Petrov onto the roster prematurely as a result of being held hostage is unacceptible. The kid is already displaying a questionable committment. Unless he changes his tune I would strongly consider trading his rights before his attitude renders him worthless.
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bossy22 says:
We are rebuilding, just give him a season here. He has the size and talent to play at this level. I would rather take a chance on him this season then take a chance on him never coming back. It’s not like we are loaded with talent.
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WM says:
Rich (68) – you are the voice of reason! Thank you!
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Stop it, just stop it! This kid is russian. A Russians way of speaking is (pardon the pun) pointblank! That is the way in their culture. I don’t think he said anything to warrant calling him names. Let’s see what he can do, first. We might be over rating him, or he might turn out to be the best thing since sliced bread. This is the summer, time to evaluate our prospects, and go forward from there! But please, let’s give these kids half a chance and show them some love. They all have ego’s. Would you want to play somewhere the fans don’t like you?
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Steve says:
“I do think Kirill will look for assurances and some belief that, even is he doesn’t make the cut, he will not be buried in the minors forever.”
I don’t think that statement lends itself to being called a “prima donna” or “trade him”.
Boy, we can’t get ANYONE to come here…if our draft picks can’t come here, exactly who will?
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Draftman says:
I agree with post67 about the size and talent level to make this team.
Petrov simply wants an assurance that he is not being signed to help the minor league team. The best way to do that is to give him a one way contract. Then he will know the Islanders consider him to be part of their immediate plans.
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I’m really tired of hearing that we are rebuilding. Aren’t the Isles trying to win hockey games? Isn’t that we heard last year when they won meaningless games at year-end instead of going for the higher draft pick? We need to put the best players we can on the ice at the NHL level. If this guy thinks he makes the team because he threatens to go home if he doesn’t, then send him back to Mother Russia.
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the bomber says:
the best way to assure yourself of not getting buried in the minors is to not suck. he doesn’t sound all that confident to me, but that stuff about going home doesnt bother me, would you want to live and work in Bridgeport? I’d rather live in Chernobl.
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Lance says:
So if he does not make the team, he is not willing to stick around and develop. Great pick Garth…..
Almost as good as KK.
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jmo16 says:
Two things: He’s a late round, 19 yr old from a very different place AND there’s always something lost in translation.
He sounds iffy…, ok. He’s not in the Red Wings or Pens or Caps system. But he does want to play in the NHL, so it makes sense that he is concerned about leaving the security of the KHL. It might not be the better “showcase” for NHL scouts but its the closest thing to “another” pro level league. Let him decide his fate should he not make the team out of camp. We have little to lose on him- he’s a long shot. Like putting $50 on the Jets to win the Superbowl before the season begins. -
Jeff #73 Are the Isles trying to win games? Last year the roster included Sim, Jackman, Geravis, Reese, Martinek, etc This year it already includes the always injured Weight, Jurcina, Eaton, a guy who couldn’t cut it with the Rangers, Geravis, Martinek. No the Isles aren’t trying to win games until the make serious improvements to the roster. Until then they are just blowing smoke and waiting for the magical time when they’ll have a new arena, make trades where they take advantage of other teams cap issues, and sign quality FA’s. Get very familar with the 2011 Draft. I’ve already started reading about the top prospects.
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It’s not as bad as all you complainers make out. Bet he takes a two-way contract and plays in Bridgeport with a few games in the NHL. He’ll accept the money.
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IslesRock says:
CB, thank you for the great work through the draft and this crazy weekend. I look forward to the prospect camp and some other FA signings. As per post #68, I to am getting embarrassed reading some of these posts. Now some are killing a young prospect before their first camp. A fine how do you do. What gets me is that most of these bashers have never put on skates or left home yet. I am at the stage now that I read your great work and skip the posts. I would have no problem if you removed some of the silly ones. It’s more than fair to criticize the team and have some fun, but lets not be jerks about it.
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Spartiarti RVC says:
well petrov. impress us. Its not hard to get starting job on isles.
I hope he can make team.
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Examiner says:
All he is saying is that he will return to KHL instead of spend the season in Bridgeport. He would have to buyout the remainder of his contract, why buy it out if he is just going to play more minor league hockey? Why break a current paying contract unless the coaches see him playing in the bigs? It’s not like he said ‘If I don’t make the team now I’m never coming back’.
Give him a one-way deal. If P.A Parentheau deserves one…
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Mikey says:
FYI, the CBA provides a hard cap on rookie salaries and does not allow one-way contracts for rookies. The only way to lure him from Russia is to give him special treatment (i.e. assurances that he will make the team or spend little time in Bridgeport). I do not think Isles should make that commitment if they think Petrov is not ready for the NHL. On the other hand, it looks like we will have trouble filling out the roster with NHL players (yet again), so there will be a spot for him. We just need warm bodies at this point.
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SteveNYC says:
I don’t understand how you are seeing him as having an attitude problem from this article. It says that he would go home and “honor” his contract in the KHL if he doesn’t make the NHL team. Lighten up everyone.
Steve -
The Isles just need to recruit Petrov the way they would recruit an UnRestricted Free Agent. Give him a reasonable contract & I’m sure he will be happy to remain in New York. He is an extremely talented Prospect & the Isles should do everything in their power to make his transition to the Islanders a success. Even if he flops, were not making a huge investment. He’s worth the risk of giving him a 3 yr entry level contract on a 1 way deal.
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IslesAl says:
Unless he is dominant, the only way you know if someone is NHL ready is by playing regular season games in the NHL. Difficult to do that in July.
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David Volek says:
Once again, Mr Botta……..great read, and thank you.
I wonder what the problem is with all these Russians having similar attitudes? I feel like there have been many different Russians with that same “take my toys and go home” mentality. Either way, the isles got Petrov, late, and if he can play hockey thats all that matters at this point.
Does anyone know if the training camp or prospect camp will have video on the isles website?
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JJ says:
Wow. People on this board are really freaking out lately!
First, Petrov was a third round pick. If he pans out… great! If not, we lost nothing. It was a good risk by Garth.
Second, number 73, Jeff. Yes, we ARE rebuilding, and we’re doing it correctly for the first time I could remember. In other words, we’re taking our time and being patient with our process.
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Brian says:
The kid isn’t even one of the top 100 prospects according to THN, how is hesupposed to make an NHL team? I’ve read nothing indicating this kid is “can’t miss”.
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christian says:
Al L 69= i wanna see if you wera an american with a contract playing here and got picked in the khl and u go over to russia and they say well if u don’t make team we will put u in the russian minors oh yeah u would accept yeah right you would take a flight so fast home they would say was he ever here at all
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BTBoss says:
He’s just a kid, foreign to the States, different culture, language Give him a break. And then many of you are wondering why any star players don’t want to come play here. Many fans just like to complain about the smallest things. This is an interview that took place around the draft time. He hasn’t skated with the team yet, talked to the coaching staff yet, talked to management yet. Many here just need to relax a minute and give this kid a chance to come into camp, workout with some teammates, talk to the team, and then ask these questions on where he should play if he doesn’t make the team. Bergie wasn’t a prima donna or headcase when he went overseas instead of the AHL…
Many are still hot over the Kovalchuk situation… many here are long time fans and want to see a winner as quick as possible. But even with him it’s a 8th seed team at best. This team has a ways to go. Current players need to step it up this year, prospects need to become the players the scouts think they can be(DeHaan, Hamonic, Petrov, Jounsuu, Koskinen, Nino) Make a trade-signing in between and make a real run at the cup in 2-3 years. I don’t and I’m sure many of you here don’t want to be the NYR and throw money at players. Look at where that got them. I rather have this team going forward then that any day!!!
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Blizzard says: Russians….hmmmph…..lol. Hope this kid is a player for us someday. Him and the other Krill….
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
I’m just glad I’ll finally get to see him play on Saturday … It will be good to see how he measures up against the other prospects.
I think he’s going to need a year in the AHL… no matter what he thinks … The AHL is the quicker road to the NHL.
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If our Russian prospects make the team – add a trade for another one and maybe pick up another one thru the UFA or RA route and Petrov will think he is in the KHL!
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Eric says:
Every year we question Garth Snow. But realize years later that he is a genius. Garth will bring us a stanley cup. we just have to be patient
Not sure about his commitment after reading this. Seems he doesn’t want to work hard in the minors to earn his spot which is not the NHL way. I hope he has the talent to get a spot on the team, but if he doesn’t, he should sign and play in our minor league system.