PETROV’S DEVELOPMENT IN JEOPARDY
Bill Daly clarifies KP avail; Boston 5, Islanders 2
9:35 pm: The saga of Islanders prospect Kirill Petrov is nearing the crisis stage. At risk: the proper development of a talented young hockey player who desperately wants to play in North America today.
Here’s where the story is now. Petrov’s team in the KHL, Ak Bars, has now played three regular season games in their 2010-11 season. Of the three, the 6-3 right wing has hit the ice for only one. In that game, Petrov played just 8:10.
In an email, a scout who attended the game wrote to Point Blank, “Petrov looked very, very good. He is young compared to most players in the KHL, but he did not look out of place. For the little time he got, I thought he was one of Kazan’s best players.”
Ak Bars is one of the deepest and dominant teams in the KHL. Petrov has two years remaining on the four-year deal he signed prior to the 2008 NHL Draft. The contract was the reason why such a skilled and powerful forward was available when the Islanders selected him with their third pick in the third round.
At Islanders prospect camp, Petrov stated that his wish was to join the Islanders organization this season. He has become fond of the franchise and comfortable with his teammates. Petrov insisted he had no problem with playing in the minors for a couple of years, if necessary.
It’s doubtful Petrov would have to wait that long. On the first day of rookie camp, one high-ranking member of the Islanders family told Point Blank, “I hope we get Petrov here. He could really help us – soon.” The implication was that Petrov was good enough to see NHL ice this season.
Despite the best efforts of agent Alexander Tynjynch, Petrov has so far been unable to secure his release from Kazan. Reached tonight on his cellphone, a frustrated Tynjynch said that he would continue to pursue a solution for his client “until next week. If nothing then, well…”
Few people, of course, are going to be sympathetic to Petrov. After all, he was the one who signed a committment to Kazan as an 18-year-old for the next four years of his life. He is earning enough money that one NHL team executive, in a conversation with PB, questioned his true commitment to the NHL. The Islanders also knew what they were getting into when they made the low-risk, high-reward pick of Petrov – after non-prospect David Toews and since-traded Jyri Niemi in the third round.
But here’s why this is news, and should be of concern to the Islanders and their fans. If his KHL team won’t set the 20-year-old Petrov free to at least attend Islanders training camp – during a time when Kazan has played him in a total of eight minutes in three games – why would anyone think Petrov will be made available to the Islanders a year from now?
If Petrov goes four years from his NHL draft date playing limited minutes in the KHL, the Islanders would have a poorly developed player by the time the summer of 2012 comes around. That would be a shame.
The good news? Point Blank asked NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly if the Islanders could bring the unsigned Petrov to New York at any time, even if the KHL season has already begun. Emailed Daly:
Petrov has to be free of his contractual obligation in Russia before he would be eligible to play in the NHL. But there is no time limit or date by which that must happen.
In other words, if Ak Bars decided – next week, for example – to set Petrov free, he could still become an Islander. For the sake of a high-end talent, hopefully the Islanders, Tynjynch and Ak Bars can reach a settlement.
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BOSTON 5 ISLANDERS 2
Nino Niederreiter and Robin Figren scored for the Islanders. Mikko Koskinen was sharp early, stopping 15 of 15 shots in the first, then looked human when the shots kept coming. Calvin de Haan will play better games, starting Thursday in Boston. Kid hadn’t played a game in a while. Travis Hamonic had an assist, won a fight and was iffy on defense. Niederreiter proved that he may want to wait a while until his next fight. David Ullstrom has certainly shown enough to deserve a good look when regular camp opens on Friday.
Like Steve Webb 15 years ago, rookie camp invitee Alex O’Neil is smart enough to make sure – love him or loathe him – everyone is going to know his name. He won his fight and threw a few hits. Jordan Caron had a hat trick for the Bruins. Best of all, as far as we can tell, no one on the visiting team got hurt.
Jack Capuano was the head coach behind the bench, with Eric Cairns and the outstanding teacher in Bridgeport, Pat Bingham, at his side.
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Illustration No. 147 that owner Charles Wang is as emotionally-invested in his team as any in the NHL: he traveled to Boston today to watch Islanders prospects play in a pre-season rookie game.
Let me go out on a limb and state that no more than three fellow NHL club owners will travel beyond a few miles to see their teams play in any level of exhibition games this month. It’s possible Wang, who a year ago personally scouted John Tavares and Matt Duchene, is the only one.
But sure, Canada, keep those rumors coming about the Islanders’ owner divesting himself of the team.
Comments about this post are invited. Please refer to these Comment Guidelines.
42 Responses to PETROV’S DEVELOPMENT IN JEOPARDY
Bill Daly clarifies KP avail; Boston 5, Islanders 2
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PotvinRocks says:
If AkBars lets him go. Then he can fill the spot in the top 6 and Nino can be sent back to Juniors. I really hope that Petrov gets freed in the up coming weeks.
Ullstrum looked real good in the rookie scrimmage earlier this year. He is a big center with great passing skills. He’ll definately be the 1st line center in Bridgeport. -
Uncle Deuce says:
Watched the live stream of the game. Nino looks like he is going to be something once confidence and meaning of a game kick in. Love the Alex O’Neil kid. Like Botta said, de Haan should play better. He looks like a less intense Jay Bouwmeester out there — smooth skater though. I have to say though, this David Ullstrom stood out with his hustle and hockey sense. I bet he makes the team, especially if Petrov is a no-go. Kabanov looks like a floater, as expected, but has some flashes that are intriguing. Kid has to eat some more borscht and get thicker. Feisty game, and they did not back down. Tomorrow’s game will be fun. That is supposed to be streamed as well by the Bruins.
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Blizzard says: ….good to hear Wang traveled to see the kids play.
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mbk says:
the situation with Petrov is a shame. Guess Ak Bars does not want to develop him for the Isles, but if they are paying him, it blows me away that they are not playing him
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Eric says:
Great write up Chris. Lots of good info. Good to know Wang is invested in the team, but that still does not change the arena situation but it is good to know. As for Petrov, it would be terrible for him to play 2 more years in russia, barely getting the minutes he deserves, and being poorly developed. I really hope he is playing in the states this season, at the very least in bridgeport to get proper development. Good to hear, that he is a solid player.
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IslesFanInTN says:
Keeping fingers crossed that Petrov arrives next week. My feeling is that the KHL knows the Isles want (and need) him so they might be jacking the price to let him go. Kabanov looked good tonight. Would love to see those two on the same line someday.
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Ethan K says:
I don’t understand why this is so difficult for the Ak Bars. They’re not playing the kid, he wants to be playing in North America. He was drafted 2 years ago already, and he’s making no difference just sitting on the bench in Russia. Why don’t they just let him go for a little bit of money and let the kid move on with his life?
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hasnizzle~ says:
someone please clarify?
if the nhl is the best league in the world and petrov is barely playing there (i know ak bars is one of the best teams), then what makes everyone so sure that he’ll be playing here? i guess it’s just that the isles are that bad…UNFORTUNATELY!?!? hopefully, that won’t be the case…i’m excited nontheless! -
The New Isles GM says:
It’s such a shame of what’s become of this Petrov situation. I really hope Ak will find it in their hearts to release him so he can come to North America. He could do some damage for us in the future and his north american game must develop now. I pray that this works out in the end for orange and blue. If not, the show must go on. Hopefully with less Russians…
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James says:
I hate to get into semantics here, but Bill Daly answered the question the same way Jerry Manuel answers every question: in a roundabout way without answering anything. The question at hand here is not whether he’s eligible to play in the NHL, but whether he needs to clear waivers should he be freed of his KHL contract and signed by the Isles…
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Irish Isle says:
hasnizzle~ Ak Bars is the best team in the KHL, and the reason he is not being given playing time is not b/c of skill, but rather they dont trust him b/c of his youth.
Nor is the team willing to devolop him, give him playing time, when they know he wants to leave for the NHL. -
Islebethere4u says:
I don’t care what anyone says about Charles Wang. I still thank our lucky stars that he took over, because anyone else would have moved this team long ago. I also hope Petrov gets released from his Russian contract. Even if a a team is paying a premium for a player for nothing, (not playing) the one that gets hurt in the long run is the player. Poor development=poor performance=poor management. Shame on the Russian club for taking it out on the player who has done nothing wrong thus far.
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BillyBC says:
I agree, its confusing to me that he plays limited time at Ak Bars but people think he would play on the islanders this season. Granted it would be better to be in N. America in the minors to develop appropriately under the watchful eye of the Isles.
Its a good point PB that the Isles knew what they were doing when they drafted him being a Russian with no transfer agreement with the NHL.
Thanks for the great post PB!
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The Isles need to throw some mula at akbars. They would be stupid not to take it, since the most he will be there is less than 2 yrs, and he is not playing consistently for them anyway. I liked Nino and Ulstrom tonight. Everyone else looked confused. Looking for a little cohesion in the next game.
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Viper says:
We did not hitch our star to Petrov in ’08. If he is available before 2012 (which we all hope he is) it is only a bonus.
CB, you are the best in the business (along with Ron Maclean, Pierre McGuire and Bob McKenzie) at what you do. Thank you for breaking up the Scottish Canadian dominance of NHL insight.
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Merrick says:
CB-now I know hockey season is here.
Petrov: It is what it is. The Russians need to be paid off and I doubt we’ll do it.
Hard to tell about the Nono fight on live stream, but it seems like a 6th rounder went after our 5 overall and Tony Romano responded in kind againt the Bruins #1 from 2008. I don’t like hooliganism, but I’m glad someone responded.
As for Sir Charles in Boston, I’ll bet he also had dinner with Milbury.
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mht says:
It sure looks like Ak Bars is trying to squeeze out a sweet financial deal from the Islanders in order to let Petrov out of his contract.I would bet after the window of opportunity (training camp) passes and he is fully obligated to Ak Bars for their 2010-11 season,then perhaps his ice time will increase.Hopefully a deal can be struck that satisfies all parties and allows Petrov to come and develop in North America.It is extremely gratefying that Charles Wang would fly to Boston to take in a rookie preseason game.Hopefully the dialogue that he is into the Islanders solely just for a real estate grab can end.
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RJT says:
Anyone know what Petrov is making in the KHL?
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JTizzle91 says:
tomorrow night is all about Kevin Poulin for me! Can’t Wait!
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Petey Pete says:
A little bummed at the fact that the Isles prospects didn’t really shine in a great opportunity against the Bruins.
Doubly bummed about the highly-unlikely chance that Kirill Petrov ever wears an Islander jersey in an NHL game.
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mark p says:
I finally met Charles a few weeks ago….He had in depth knowledge of the prospects and discussed draft philospophy….He cares and has worked hard to learn hockey and has learned to love the sport.
It will sometimes hurt the team that he relys on himself instead of a Hockey bred president and Assistant GM to assist Garth Snow.
His dedication and desire should never be questioned….his execution needs work. -
Vealchop says:
I was at the game tonight. Big crowd, 11,500 peeps. About 10 Islander fans. Very electric feeling too, especially for a rookie game.
Few things
*Nino Best Islander on the Ice
*DeHann terrible
*Hamonic ok
*Koskinen very good but gives up juicy rebounds.
*Kabanov ok
Tons of Fights (5 or 6)
*O’Neil destroyed the Bruins biggest guy Donald (left the ice w/ bloody mouth)
*Nino fight looked like it caught him off guard by the bench. More of a wrestling match.Dibenetto game misconduct was a late call (minute or more).
Tomorrows game is going to be full of fights.
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Alex says:
I feel like this whole Petrov ordeal is pretty much Ak Bars and the KHL giving the NHL two big middle fingers.
Why would they want to hold onto Petrov and pay him for two more years, to only have him playing 8 min a game…
They have to be doing this to spite the NHL
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
What happend in Nino’s fight? Did he get crushed by a bruiser? I would not expect Nino to fight much, not his role, but his is showing us all he means business about being an Isle!
The Petrov thing is irritating, I hope he gets out of there.
Glad to hear about Wang! -
ed says:
Loved how Bibenedetto reacted to Nino getting jumped. He told them they would get even and he did. When was the last time we have seen that on the Islanders? Glad to see that sticking up for teammates is the way to things for our prospects
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It’s a sha-a-ame… I am really looking forward to seeing this kid play. This whole thing just makes no sense. If he’s not even getting on the ice there what’s it to them? I’m still trying to remain hopeful…
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MJS says:
Nino’s fight was totally a wash. Something that happened at the bench when a Bruin was talking some smack. Alex O’Neil used his opponent’s face as a punching bag. Best fight of the night. Nino looked good. So did Ullstrom. Hamonic was on the ice seemingly the whole game and it seemed like he suffered from trying to do too much. Koskinen wasn’t the problem despite giving up 4 goals. He was left out to dry a bunch. Also, Kabanov seemed like he was a holding back because of his recent disciplinary issues. He made way too many passes and only went all out a little. Rhett Rhakshani also looked pretty good and had good chemistry with Nino and Ullstrom.
The good news is that you could tell the high level Islanders from the invitees and mid level prospects. It was also apparent which guys had been pros for a year or two. Capuano put out an all AHL line for a bit and they dominated for a few which resulted in the second goal. It was good to be at a hockey game for the first time in months. Too bad they didn’t win.
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Strummer's Army says:
THE Petrov thing is annoying but has to be expected anytime you are dealing with Russian business.
Nino ended up slamming the Bruin’s player on the ice and landed on top. The B’s player jumped Nino. There was no “ya wanna go”, so he got a late start. You could see how pissed the other Isles were in telling the guy about it when the fight was over. You don’t just jump a guy. I could only watch on the Bs tv and their announcer was way too much of a homer. Thought Nino getting jumped was fantastic but was outraged when Dibientto went after a B’s player for it.
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Jim Clark says: I called the ticket office Wednesday and I was disappointed to find they are not offering the Flex 20 program they had last year. Managed to get a nice deal for one of their partial plans. 23 more days until October 9th!!!
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Brother Rat says:
Count me among the many folks psyched to see a return of IPB and the Isles. Welcome back, CB. I missed the game as I’m away on business, but the recaps on the Isles site and here by CB and posters are encouraging. Of course there’ll be ups and downs, but I suppose one can’t complain if at least the prospies are playing physically. Does anyone know what the lines were? Who was Kabanov out there with? Good to see Rakhshani’s showing signs of life after a great college wrap-up but a drop-off from the top prospect rolls.
As for the KP situation, it all comes down to business–contracts 101, not Russian business shenanigans. Petrov’s under contract, and Kazan won’t just let him walk–breach–without compensation. Breach has to be similar in Russia to what we have. KP’s a commodity, and that contract has value as the Isles want him, but also b/c it sets a poor precedent if NHL teams could draft KHL players under contract and pluck them off or negotiate a release without–or for little–compensation. KP signed his contract, so he can only blame himself or his then-agent for a poor deal that he can’t opt-out of (but I’ll bet that led to the decent salary). The Isles are outside looking in on this, as they’re not in contract with Kazan–from Kazan’s standpoint, who cares if the Isles “feel wronged.” They knew what they were doing drafting a guy already under contract. Daly’s in a bind as the NHL and KHL continue their relationship and have many outstanding intl issues but want to move closer. Makes me angry, but that’s business. But $$$ may cure all, but it may also set a bad precedent. I’ll be shocked to see KP back this year. It’s a pretty fascinating case study, if anything.
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cjcb says:
Islanders winning fights, its to much to handle all at once. Very excited about this season, i just hope they bring some of there usual preseason toughness to the big game this year!!
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Chris R says:
The KHL didnt do much to save the life of the Rangers Russian prospect 2 years ago. What makes you think that they care about Petrov’s development. Why can he just flee to the NHL similiar to the way that Rabadoluv fled to the NHL when he had a year on his contract with the preds.
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cgs878 says:
Maybe Charles Wang should show up at the next Ak Bars game in Russia and personally escort Mr. Petrov back to the USA after dropping several million rubles in “compensation” into the Ak Bars owners’ laps?
I second/third/fourth the “no one on the visiting team got hurt” thing. Less injuries this season would be most excellent! -
CG in SC says:
Good to see you back more often CB! At least the Little Isles went down last night swinging. I also hope we can buy Petrov soon. How many cases of vodka are they asking for? I’ve got a dozen pairs of Levis to donate to the cause as well. As #11 pointed out, Mr.Daly kinda answered the question, but not really. My interpretation of his statement: “OK Mr.Snow, it’s fine if you want to kidnap Kirill Petrov. But, the rules state he can’t play in the NHL while on a KHL contract. As long as he stays in Bridgeport until the KHL contract expires, it’s fine.” Did anyone else get the same notion?
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Raibait says:
Two others who deserve mention are Katic and Romano. They both played very well.
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jack says:
Was at the game tonight, really liked what I saw out of Rhakshani most of the game. Really effective at getting the puck to the net and breaking into the zone. Kabanov was floating a little too much. The isles defense were letting the Bruins into the zone up the middle the whole night, got old fast. I forgot how many odd many rushes Gordon’s system produces for the other team….
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Isles81 says:
Something doesn’t hang together here. How can the Isles think that Peterov is good enough to play in the NHL right now but he ISN’T good enough to be a standout in the KHL? If this guy is a stud why not play him like crazy and just tell the Isles to wait. If he lights it up over there it’ll just make any payoff the Isles have to make bigger. Sitting this kid for any reason other than he just isn’t that good doesn’t make sense.
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isles79-83 says:
Getting Petrov over here is not about him playing on the big team, it is about getting him into Bridgeport and learning the Gordon/Capuano system. His talent is high but he still needs to be developed properly.
Ak Bars has tons of money I am sure, so they are not concerned about his playing time to salary ratio. He is a bargaining chip in how they do business with the NHL and its players.
The KHL is a business and they need to get more world class players over there to compete. That means prying them from the NHL like the Isles are trying to pry Petrov from the KHL.
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Communication between N.H.L. & K.H.L is dismal. I don’t think we will ever know what is going on. One day K.P will be here, or he wont. Garth has to show them mucho doe-rae-me or we will not see this kid for the next 2 yrs, at which point we might not even want him. On the home front, forget the walk-ons for tonight’s game, go with the prospects that have a shot at your roster. The difference between the two was evident last night. Also, I didn’t even know Kabanov was playing, he was a non entity. Someone tell him that it’s O.K. to have an attitude on the ice–not off it! Love Nino!!
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cjzimm says:
Seriously what is it going to take to ft KP over here? They pay him but don’t play him? Is this just about the money? The precedent? What else is there? Can we just sneak him out of Russia like they did back in the 80s?
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UIF says:
Some harsh critics here…I thought the kids looked good last night. The first line was the most consistent 3-man unit on the ice for either team. Team D was weak, but it was like that for both teams, imo. These guys haven’t really played together that much, so it’s understandable. Nino was noticeable almost every shift. Liked Cizikas out there too. Didn’t think deHaan was bad…I felt he looked better than Hamonic did. Boston’s goalie made some really nice saves, but the pressure was there. Looking forward to tonight.
Excited for Islander hockey!!