SNY POINT BLANK TV: JEAN-FRANCOIS HOULE
Lewiston Maineiacs head coach on Kirill Kabanov
Under J. F. Houle, the Islanders’ talented and sometimes troubled prospect developed into a force in time for the QMJHL playoffs. The head coach opens a window into Kabanov’s personality and also provides a scouting report on top 2011 draft prospects Jonathan Huberdeau and Sean Couturier. Recorded last week, delayed by arena news.
23 Responses to SNY POINT BLANK TV: JEAN-FRANCOIS HOULE
Lewiston Maineiacs head coach on Kirill Kabanov
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Michael Scott says:
just some great stuff. CB you keep my work breaks relevant
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nova says:
Good spot. Very telling when he said a few times “he’s a different kid” and when you asked him if he was ever late and he said “not really.” LOL. We know he’s got some issues. That’s why we were lucky and smart to take him in the third round.
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Al says:
An opposing coach is only going to tell you so much but he seemed to have a LOT of respect for Huberdeau. Would be amazing if he was there when we pick 5th.
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bergie says:
Tough spot for the coach because of course he can only say so much. Kabanov did not have a good regular season for most of it. But Houle was as honest as he could be and shed some positive light on the kid. I’d say it was a successful season because he played so well in the playoffs. Now he has to have a dominant year from start to finish. Kabanov should be wiser and stronger now.
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Patty says:
Houle may have been the perfect coach for KK this year. Sounds like a nice guy and soft-spoken. Probably gives his players a lot of breathing room. Kabanov was in a position to sink or swim and he made it through and played well in the end. Needs another year in junior and then some time in the AHL. A great low-risk draft pick for our team.
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Roy Munson says:
Al: If Huberdeau is not there then Couturier will and that would be equally good.
I really hope Kabanov continues to develop next season, seems like he gained a lot of confidence in the playoffs.
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nhl80 says:
good idea to ask him about the 2 top picks. Huberdeau has come so far in the last year. Houle should be applauded for making something of Kabanov after it was obvious Danny Flynn ran out of patience with him in Moncton. Great interview for a Friday in May and a welcome break from the arena stuff.
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alan says:
Great to hear some positive news about KK. By all indications, he should be in our plans for the 2012-13 season and compete for a top-6 role. With the meteric rise of Huberdeau, can either Landeskog or Larsson drop all the way to #5. And CB, can you please inform us fans about what is going on with Jason Gregoire. Will he be signed or will his rights be traded?
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cb_ i havent looked at this piece, or the last 3 or 4, i will do so after posting. having been a follower of pointblank for about 2 or 3 years, you must be a proud father of your internet baby. the information you bring concerning 3 party opinions, guests you interview, excellent. your a one man army. the range and depth of information you bring about this team is astounding (so rare you get to use that word). from a fan, thanks.
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Patrick says:
I’ve always looked at Kabanov as strictly a bonus if he amounts to anything. There’s a reason every team passed on him twice. Hopefully we get lucky. If not, it’s not a big deal.
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gary91922 says:
He has to do sooooo much more than one play off run or one year as a good citizen.
I wouldn’t let him smell an NHL game until he has 100 games at Bridgeport under his belt with NO issues.
So… next year in the Juniors then 1 full season at the Bridge then maybe 2013-2014 he gets an opportunity… at best..
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Brian says:
Hopefully Kabanov’s new found sense of maturity is evident in prospect camp this summer. If so, give him another year in the Q and see if he builds on the playoffs this year.
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Bob E says:
KK seems like he jokster but this kid could play. if he materializes to this potential, essentially got Two First round picks last year.
If just one Kirill Materializes i say its a big win for us. if both do. its a homerun.
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Staten Islander says:
Glad to see he sounds like he’s maturing. Leave him in juniors for another year and then a year at the Bridge
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JTizzle says:
Ryan Strome for me. JT, Strome Moulson
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Ethan K says:
He’ll go back to Lewiston for a full season next year and we can hope he puts up huge numbers for the whole year and keeps filling out. Then he goes to the AHL for a good amount of time. I like Couturier and Huberdeau a lot but I’m still hoping for Larsson or Hamilton at the 5 spot.
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Steve says:
Good interview as always CB. Nice to see KK maturing and hopefully he goes back to Junior next year and does well. Its nice to get back to hockey and escape the arena insanity at least for a day.
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Strummer's Army says:
KK is pretty physical and that is great when you have an elite level talent guy who is physical. He’s at least 6’2″ if not taller by now and while he does have a thin frame, he young and with hard work could hit the 215-220 range no problem. Then watch out! He’s a playmaker too so if he pans out he’ll look great next to JT when Moulson retires.
On the issue of the draft Hamilton….Doug…Hamilton!
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Michael Delman says:
Kabanov is a head case….no thanks!
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
Glad to see KK is doing well. Gez this is a kid we are talking about. He should continue to mature. Although it may seem foolish to pass up on Courtier or Huberdeau, take a look at Swiss Team Mate of Nino, Sven Bartschi. The only thing he lacks is size (5’11, 175lbs, 19yrs old), but he can score. He tied Nino for 2nd in points in the playoffs on the Winterhawks.
Thanks CB for the great coverage!!!
Let’s Go ISLANDERS!!!
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NYI 16 says:
Im hoping for Huberdeau..hands like Kane according to THN, would love to see him play with Tavares in 2 years..I hope they stay away from every dman not named Larsson with this pick, you can’t have enough skill up front!
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Walt says:
You draft offense in the 1st round unless a Potvin or Bourque is there. Defenseman can be drafted later on in the draft while getting a top flight offensive player later on is difficult. This is the Jimmy Devellano method. It has worked well for the Red Wings and the 70′s era Islanders.
Is it me or did he not really give us a lot? Does he Kabanov to be a 2nd liner? 3rd liner? Is Huberteau going to be an elite player someday in the NHL or he going to be just good? And is Coutiuer going to be like a Jordon Staal or Jason Spezza? So many questions.