ONE MORE YEAR FOR PETROV IN RUSSIA
Kabanov moves, Gregoire and Kessel are free
It’s going to be another year, and likely a few years after that, when we learn whether the Islanders’ no-risk/high reward drafting of a pair of unique young men from Russia named Kirill will ever pay off at the NHL level.
A source close to Petrov told Point Blank that the big right wing will fulfill the fourth and final year of his Kontinental Hockey League contract in 2011-12. In an added twist, apparently in Russia a player can be traded for himself. A year after Petrov was dealt to Yugra – a good move for the sake of his development – he has been “loaned” back to his original team, Kazan Ak Bars.
Petrov has legitimate reasons for wanting to stay home at least one more year. According to the source, Petrov’s mother is seriously ill and recently underwent her second surgery in the last year. As of this date, Petrov is not only committed to playing in Kazan this season, but he is very questionable for the Islanders’ prospect camp next month. He had a very positive couple of weeks on Long Island last summer.
After a strong start with Yugra and with increased icetime after two years spent mainly on the bench with Ak Bars, the 6-3, 205-pound right wing tailed off. He finished the season with 8 goals and 11 assists for 19 points in 48 games. At Kazan, one of the most competitive teams in the league and a franchise that tends to lean on experienced players, Petrov could be in a battle just to claim a spot on the third line.
The Islanders had some idea of what they were getting into, which is why they had no problem using one of their three third round picks in the 2008 NHL draft to take a flyer on the talented Petrov. Scouts from other NHL teams told Point Blank that the information prior to draft weekend on Petrov’s commitment to the KHL was very sketchy. Some were told he had a one-year deal with Kazan. Others were informed that he was under contract for three years or possibly more. It wasn’t until after the draft that it was confirmed that Kazan had him locked up for four seasons. Considering the low price, the Islanders have no regrets.
Although the roadblocks in his development, in part, caused Petrov to slip to No. 8 in our recent Scouts’ Poll of the top Islanders’ prospects, he is just 21 years old. If the Islanders are able to bring him to New York in 2012 and begin his North American development, they still could have a quality big forward to help close out the slow and steady rebuild.
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While Petrov’s stock slipped, Kirill Kabanov’s rose with a head-turning performance in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playoffs with the Lewiston Maineiacs. Some of the credit for Kabanov’s maturity over the last year, since his selection in the third round of the 2010 draft, was given to Lewiston president Bill Schurmann (who worked with the player in Moncton) and head coach Jean-Francois Houle.
Alas, while the lovably high-maintenance Kabanov may still be part-maniac, he is no longer a Maineiac. The Lewiston franchise went bust earlier this week, and all of its players were made available in a QMJHL dispersal draft today. Kabanov is now a member of the Montreal Juniors, who drafted him off Lewiston’s 35-player eligibility list. Montreal has a good team. As for the city…well, it brings to mind Nino Niederreiter’s favorite word: it’s fantastic. Kabanov’s going to love it there.
Besides dispatching Doug Weight and Eric Cairns to Montreal on occasion, the Islanders might want to convince the Juniors to bring on Houle as a coach.
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In other prospect news, collegiate draft picks/dropouts Jason Gregoire and Blake Kessel have officially Wheeler-ed their way into free agency. The Islanders could still sign the players, but they are now free to speak with every NHL team. Gregoire and Kessel rated “honorable mentions” outside of the top ten in our recent Scouts’ Poll of prospects. They are, without question, solid NHL prospects and will receive offers from other clubs.
71 Responses to ONE MORE YEAR FOR PETROV IN RUSSIA
Kabanov moves, Gregoire and Kessel are free
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WavepooL says:
Why do I not trust Russian hockey players?
I get the sense they are a little wild off the ice and not really very personable with their non eastern European teammates. Is it just me or is there something to this?
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SteveDoubleW says:
CB – any idea what order Kabanov was selected in? May give some kind of idea as to how he is thought of in The Q
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Al says:
Love the way Kabanov developed late in the year. He should be a contributor by the end of the 2012-13 sesadon. Fine by me. Petrov will never come to N.A. Bottom Line. As far as Kessel and Gregoire is concerned, we do have enough depth to cover for their losses, makes me think that maybe the Isles could pull a Ranger and deal some of their 2nd rounders for a player who is ready to contribute in 2011-12 season, whether it be a veteran or a kid. Besides the top 5 pick, which I suspect will be Dougie Hamilton, we really dont need quality 3rd line depth, we need a contributor ASAP.
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admin says:
Steve (3) Kirill went 16th overall. It COULD have something to do with KK being an import player and league restrictions on that. (I’ve asked for clarification from the league on this and will update if I hear). And yes, having a reputation as a bit of a handful might have made some teams pass…CB
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RA says:
Given all the recent defensive signings that we’ve made (Ness, Donovan, DeHaan?), the Gregoire loss is more concerning, but hoepfully we can still bring one of them into the fold.
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Lenny says:
Really too bad about Gregoire and Kessel. I hope we still re-sign them. We are in no position to lose prospects over money.
The Kirills are larks at best. I agree they are no risk but our prospect list is not as great as people like to dream it is.
By the time Petrov gets here he’ll be an average prospect.
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Al says:
Kabanov may not survive Montreal. Montreal may not survive Kabanov.
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nova says:
This is not “fantastic” news
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eric says:
thanks for being the only one to cover all 4 of these stories while everyone else sleeps.
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Terry says:
Petrov – waste
Kabanov – flake
Gregoire & Kessel – see ya
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Makela says:
In reality, KK had about 6 good weeks in Lewiston after some problems there and a personal leave to go home and be with his family when there was an illness. But I agree that leaving Houle and going to Montreal (of all places) is not good for him. Oh well.
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Nyles says:
We have 3 exciting prospects – Nino, CDH and Poulin. Add the kid we take 5th in the draft. Poulin could contribute this year if he gets the chance. Nino and calvin are a few years from being big producers (if they develop). The kid we take at 5 is going to need some time unless we get really lucky like Carolina with Skinner (who our guys passed on).
We have a good future. Don’t make it more than it is.
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joe b says:
snow will look like a genius for these picks any decade now! just watch…
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
If either of the Kirills pan out we’re ahead of the game, getting an upper echelon talent in the 3rd round. As for Gregoire and Kessel, Garth obviously had a number in mind for each, while they and their agents think they can do better on the open market. Hockey is not like baseball where money has been spent on their development, and you lose some of your investment.
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Mike L says:
No rush on the Russians. Both kids and 3rd round picks. Like you said, no risk at all. If one pans out it’s gravy and a great move by Snow and the scouts.
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rob says:
Love the coverage and the updates on these guys. CB: I think you know this is not a big deal and made that clear in your story. I’m never counting on these guys.
Blake and Jason are a disappointment. Let’s see if they find what they’re looking for. If the new Winnipeg hockey office ever gets its act together they should sign Gregoire as a hometown kid
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bergie says:
kabanov is friending fans on his personal facebook page. Can only imagine the new friends he’ll make on Crescent Street.
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Tony says:
My prayers are with Petrov’s family. Seems like a good kid to me.
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Ethan K says:
Petrov is still only 21. If he gets here next year at age 22, that’s not too bad. If you think about it, that’s the age a college player would come to the professional ranks at after a full 4 years of college. Granted, his development isn’t good as he isn’t getting a lot of ice time. He will get it when he comes to the AHL next season. As for Kabanov, I expect a lot from him next season as he’s shown everyone what he can do in the QMJHL. I say try to sign Gregoire still because we need more depth at wing, but don’t worry too much about Kessel. Kessel should have stayed in school for all four years, and we already have a lot of defensemen on the NHL level, on the AHL level, and we keep adding more young ones to the ranks too. No place for him.
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JTizzle says:
Worst place for him to land in my opinion. Anyone that has been to Montreal for a weekend of partying know exactly what I am talking about. Clubs and Gentlemans Establishments are a plenty!
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drive45 says:
I believe QMJHL rules are such that the team that adds Kabanov has to cut one of their own foreign/european players. That could have lowered his draft value.
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ENV79 says:
Tough news on Petrov but I’d always seen him and Kabanov as a package deal. As for KK, it’d be nice if he steps in and builds off this year’s playoffs in Montreal, esp. with Louis LeBlanc likely leaving at least for the AHL. Both will hopefully be lighting up Bridgeport in 2012-13, possibly riding shotgun to Ullstrom or Cizikas.
As for Kessel and Gregoire, see ya. I’m sure they’re talented but we’ve got a first rounder, two second rounders as part of 4 of the top 65 picks in the draft. Replacing two guys who weren’t among our top 10 prospects on anyone’s list shouldn’t be too painful.
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mark p says:
We could use another forward prospect and certainly a puck moving D man with some actual size would be nice to add. But with 3 or more rookie D man on the farm the Islanders don’t have much room….maybe they are looking to put Kessel on a 3-way deal (if they exist)
What is the status of DeHart? I think he was drafted as an overager? -
isles72 says:
Hard to say whether or not Petrov’s development is stunted by his lack of playing time in the KHL .The Russian way of sports is to practice more than you play so maybe Petrov is developing in a different way .
I feel bad for Kabanov , but maybe Maine’s folding and his subsequent transfer to Montreal builds some character through adversity.
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streit02 says:
CB, do you know if snow tried to get petrov out of his contract again this year like he tried to last year? It doesn’t make sense to me why russia would care if a player on the final year of his contract who will struggle for a 3rd line role leaves or not. Maybe it’s out of spite or maybe snow isn’t looking at petrov as a high priority anymore. Regardless of how either pan out these are two picks I would make over and over again. Too much upside not to chance a 3rd rd pick on_ especially when you have multiple picks
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Bryan says:
I dont think the Kessel thing matters at all. Gregoire who knows but I dont expect he will ever be a top 6 forward either. The only one’s who lose on this are the Sound Tigers.
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Jack says:
Good luck to the 2 players and their free agency. I wonder if either of the the 3rd round Russians will ever see the ice in Long Island or Kansas City. Having Krazy Krill in Montreal might not be a good thing.
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Andre Legault says:
I’m not sure about KK playing in Montreal…It’s by dozen that you can count “NHL” players that could not resist the nightlife.
Hope he really matured in the past 12 months. I’m from Montreal and I travel to Moncton each year for business purpose, and I’ll tell you one thing, if Moncton’s nightlife was hard to resist for KK then he’ll be in trouble with Ste-Catherine, St-Laurent and Crescent !!!
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Orange & Blue says:
I do not understand the idea of wasting a 3rd pick on a Russian? We could have selected a player who was not a long shot. Many gems are found in the 3rd rd. Also, after suffering through Yashin and Kvasha for years hasn’t this franchise learned to stay away from Mother Russia. She has not been kind to Islander Country in the past.
CB, any ideas about this draft? Are we sticking with our pick or trading it?
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jisles says:
@Jack: Kansas City! Give me a break. No need to say such things. NYI are here to stay. I hope Kabanov behaves; the legal drinking age in Quebec is 18, where in Maine it’s 21 and in Atlantic Canada it’s 19.
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gary91922 says:
KK – This is the best thing that can happen. Lets learn as quickly as possible if he is a changed man or still a wild boy. Last thing we need to do is allow the rotten apple spoil the pie in Bridgeport in a few years.
KP – Lets not jump to any conclusion if were talking a critically ill parent. He still has loads of talent and in poker terms, is still a “free roll” for the Isles.
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ed says:
Sorry to hear about Petrov’s mother. That is tough to go through at any age let alone being 21 and a prospect. Lot of pressure on the kid. Surprised those kids(Kessel) would opt out from the Islanders. If you wanted a shot in the NHL, Islanders would be a team I would be signing with as they play their youngsters. Nice update CB
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Strummer's Army says:
SAD TO HEAR ABOUT PETROV’S MOM! I hope she does well. Obviously we’d all prefer to have him here.
Hopefully KK will continue his progress. If they both do it will be a huge boost to the Isles roster.
Kessel and Gregiore I will worry about when they sign some where.
If Petrov doesn’t make the Isles right away when he gets here in 2012 then I am sure it won’t take a full AHL season. He’s a player, no doubt. Getting tons of ice time would make him even better and that day will come even if it is tough to be patient.
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Smitty says:
Prayers for Petrov
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Val says:
The drinking age in Montreal is 18? WATCH OUT!
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Bassen says:
Thanks for the updates and the sensitive information. We continue to learn about things here we never find anywhere else. Best of luck to the Kirills.
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David in Lynbrook says:
I agree with the poster above. If one of the Russians ever becomes a top-6 forward its a bonus. I never expected anymore from these guys.
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Potvin5 says:
Great post. I still think the Isles will sign either Gregoire or Kessel. They are their own draft picks. They are talented. They should be signed. Losing both is bad no matter how anyone wants to spin it.
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Billy the Kid says:
If Kabanov ever makes it in the NHL he’s gonna be very popular here. The guy is a nut – mostly in a good way. He also has a world of talent
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PotvinRocks says:
The Krill’s giving us news to talk about. Imagine how much news they would bring to Long Island if they make it here. Might have something to write about everyday of the August between the 2.
Don’t know about Gregiore but I thought Kessel could play in Bridgeport next year. -
Dmoney25 says:
Cant wait for Kabanov to come to the Islanders!!!! He seems like the man.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
Well I hope Petrov’s Mom gets better. He seems like a really good kid, and I want the best for him … part of that coming to the Island for 2012 – 2013. We kinda figured it would be that year anyway … so no surprise. I just hope his development kicks back to the trajectory he was heading.
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Kirill part duex … He surprised us this year after all we heard last summer. Good for Kabanov … I’m rooting hard for him … That small town Mainiac experiece did well for him… I just hope it doesn’t become unravelled in the distractions, glitz and glam of Montreal … It will be a test of his maturity.
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As far as Gregiore and Kessel are concerned … perhaps a bump in the development of “our” prospects that might set us back just a little bit. They may have been nothing more than depth players at best in the long run … but seeing teams like the Bruins and Canucks in the Finals … it just goes to show how important depth is. Maybe they’ll still sign … but if not … hey … they aren’t “the core” … so we pick up equivalent or better of the waiver wire or free agency for depth. -
Mother Russia says:
I can’t wait for Kabonovmania to run wild in the NVMC… MOTHER RUSSIA
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Draftman says:
I believe the Islanders still hold the rights to Gregoire and Kessel for 30 days after they announced they were leaving school. That period of time has not ended yet. They are both good depth prospects, somewhere between 14-17 on the prospect depth chart. Watched Gregoire frequently and he is the left wing version of Rakshanini. Watched Kessel in the Frozen Four and UNH had him play against Isles prospect Anders Lee. Played very well and held him scoreless.
It wouldn’t be a tragedy to lose them but I would prefer if they were added to the mix in Bridgeport. -
7thWoman says:
I was wondering about the drinking age in Montreal. Should be interesting. Guess the business of hockey is hard at any level.
PS: isles won’t be signing kessel. -
Vlad from Brooklyn says:
For those who don’t know: there is a huge campaign of propaganda in Russia now about how bad the life is in US with all the political and economical issues. Russian media never forgets to mention those things almost in all radio or TV shows. That could be one of the reasons for unwillingness of some Russian players to move here. Plus Petrov’s family has very deep roots in Russian hockey history for few generations. There are ex-players and coaches related to him. It is hard to separate himself from the situation. Plus Language barrier doesn’t not help. Honoring the contract could be just an excuse.
The good thing: the kid is loyal. And if Islanders, somehow, will bring him to NY and make him realize how good life could be here he could be glued to the team for a long time.
Best wishes to his mom. Hope she gets better. -
nhl80 says:
the 2 kirills are just chips. that’s all. no big deal if they don;t work out. worth the gamble. they’re not hurting anyone. i’m sure if isles thought kab was going to ever be a bad influence on the other players theyd get him out of here.
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Tim F says:
Cue the smear campaign on Kessel.
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walsh says:
Always worth taking small risks on talent. Isles don’t have enough and you cannot teach it.
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Dan C. says:
Gregiore and Kessel are mid-level prospects. Who cares what they do or where they go?
Petrov sounds like a long shot to ever come over, but as long as Kabanov is playing well in the Q, I’ve got to believe he will be here sometime in the not-too-distant future. And FWIW, a lot of his antics are no goofier than most kids his age.
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jzruggie says:
nhl80 : I hope your employer doesn’t view you as just a chip. As for the 2 Kirill’s, based solely on You Tube videos, and for what it’s worth, I’d love to have them play for the Isles some day. I think the consensus among fans seems to be they were worthwhile draft picks and I agree.
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Z says:
Have a great summer with the family, CB. Everyone here knows you’ve earned it (especially over the last season)!
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TimQ says:
I hope Kabanov doesn’t get hooked up with the Kostitsyn mafia in Montreal. Might not ever see him again. I also hope that the Isles didn’t rush to sign Ness at the expense of Gregoire. I’ve seen them both play and can’t understand how they see Ness developing into an NHL caliber player. I know they play different positions but they both represent contracts.
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booboo says:
I live in Moncton and kabanov always found time to entertain the kids after practice and was generally known to be one of the more respectful and polite players to come through here. He might have had team issues but as a person he was always a humble and funny kid. The Islander fans will love him, the other teams will want his head on a stick. He can make opposing players look foolish like no other. The kid is SLICK!
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Jim Clark says: Besides Petrov in Russia, the 1962 New York Mets acquired catcher Harry Chiti for a PTBNL and six weeks later sent Chiti back to complete the deal.
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D in Big D says:
Post 30—Couldn’t have said it any better.Why throw away 2 3rd rounders on longshots/headcases.We’re not talking 5th or 6th round picks here.CB it would be very interesting to see where the Russians rank against the other players picked after them(just in the 3rd round of course).Isles cannot afford to gamble w/ any picks.We are still a last place team that is full of holes.
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IslanderFAN says:
The Montreal Junior doesnt exactly play in Montreal per se…they are playing in Verdun.
I higly doubt Gregoire and Kessel would sign with Isles…goodbye you 2 dont let the door hit you on your way out.
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@7thWoman the drinking age in Montreal its 18 years old.
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Michael Delman says:
Neither of these two will ever play significant minutes in the NHL if they make it at all. Please, let’s just focus on other, more noteworthy prospects.
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hathead68 says:
I think we may have something good in Kabanov. He may be flaky, but if his head gets screwed on tight enough we may have a gem. Remember he was very highly rated going into and during the early part of his draft year. I wouldn’t be so dismissive of Blake Kessel. He was a decent prospect … good size at approx 6’2” 210 pounds, good skater, and good puck mover, if anyone was following him through Hockey’s Future updates and such. Gregoire I don’t believe is much of a loss though.
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Ny711 says:
Thanks for the daily coverage, CB. Hope you and all the great fans on here have a great weekend.
Too bad about Kessel. Good size, good skater, good bloodlines. We should have signed him. I’ve seen him play. Lots of people whohav never seen him are writing him off just because Garth Snow didn’t sign him. The real story is Snow tried to ram a take it or leave it offer down his throat. Blake left it. I can’t blame him. He;ll get a much better offer somewhere else and be in the NHL within two years.
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Frans Dish says:
love the “fantastic” reference
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jo says:
My opinion of the two Kiril’s is even if both play for the organization, it is not etched in stone that they are going to make it in the NHL.
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Adam says:
i think kabonov has enough skill to make this team. In 2010, people thought he was going to be top 5 for a good amount of time.
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StevieL says:
I have never seen so much hype on a 3rd rd pick with “potential”! Petrov scored “8″ goals last year and will not see much ice time this year! No doubt he is a sleeper future NHL star! Gimme a break! This kid is way over rated and a wasted pick! Doesn’t even seem to me that he wants to be a hockey player! He may never leave Russia!
KK is going to be fun to watch this year! Montreal is a fun City! -
Agree with StevieL, I have never seen anything out of Petrov that has me excited about his potential. 8 goals?? Yet some on this post are willing to part with Comeau? Let Petrov work on his kinks in Russia, I really don’t care. as for Kabanov, I feel if he has proper guidance he can be a player. He brings that cockiness that you don’t want from your whole team, but is appreciated when at least someone on the team has it (see Burrows).
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snuff78 says:
people should really not be bashing Perov without any real knowledge of the league and system he plays in. the KHL only plays 56 games compared to 82 in the NHL, Petrov got very little PP time, therefore he did not get a lot of cheap points from that. So we should not judge him until we see him over here.
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If he is mediocre in 52 games, why do you think he will be a star in 82 games? I just think he is overhyped because he has some skill and he looks to have a powerful physique. I am not giving up hope on him though, I just don’t feel there is anything new to report on him so why bother discussing him? Let’s concentrate a year at a time. This year: I hope we have a coherent goaltending tandem. 2)Our core players make even more progress. 3) We get to see some of our prospects at the N.H.L. level, and contributing nicely. 4) Garth makes a serious offer for Parise at best, or a solid #1 D-man, or, dare I dream….BOTH!!!
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Flatley says:
CB wrote a fair article. Even-handed. Stated the facts and shared what NHL scouts have told him. For people to come on here who haven’t seen Petrov play more than one game and Kabanov not much more than that and say they’re underrated or overrated is embarrassing. Get a hold of yourselves.
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Blizzard says: Petrov has had plenty of experience now over in the continental league. I cant see how someone with his portfolio can be considered any type of impact player in North American Hockey. But What the hell do I know.
Kabonov seems like he can bring some skill and IMO has greater potential if we can screw his head on straight.
Surprisingly good landing spot for Kabanov after the dispersal draft, as Montreal picked 16th out of 17 teams. Very surprising Kirill lasted that long, unless there was a trade of some sort.