New York Islanders News

Today it was announced that Kirill Kabanov signed a try-out contract with top Elitserien team Farjestad BK. The 19-years-old Russian winger was among the last cuts of the New York Islanders.

To shed some light on this unexpected event, RHF talked with EliteProspect's admin Johan Nillson, a Swedish hockey expert.

What is Kirill Kabanov's reputation in Sweden? You know that in Russia and in North America he had some problems, how is all this in a "neutral" country like Sweden?

Kabanov is not overly known in Sweden, but for those that have indeed heard about him, I think they believe he is somewhat of a "problem child" with some diva tendencies.

As we know Kabanov has a contract up to November 6th. What do you think, does he have a chance to stay in Sweden for the whole year?

I honestly have no clue how well he will fair. He will for sure have to do his very best to be able to grab a spot on Färjestad's roster. It will be easy to get rid of him if they find his attitude or work ethic in question...

Can you talk us about Farjestad? Is the team a contender for the Elitserien title?

Färjestad has really started the season lousy are currently placed last. On paper, the team is good enough to be top 4-5 in Elitserien, but they are really underachieving at the moment.

What kind of role Kabanov can get on the team? Could he potentially compete for a top 6 spot?

Färjestad's needs scoring and offense, so if they are bringing in someone now, they want him to contribute offensively rather than having a limited role. I think Kabanov will get the chance to see quality ice-time, and some time on the pp unit.

Last question. Considering Kabanov's history, do you think a move to Sweden is potentially good for his career? Better than spending another season in the juniors?

Not knowing the exact current status of Kabanov, but looking at his history, it might be good for him to be playing in a men's league. In a professional organization with many high quality players and where he will not be thought of as the obvious star/key player. It ought to get some pressure of his shoulders and maybe that could have a positive affect on his game.

With the 65th overall pick, the New York Islanders picked Kirill Kabanov. He's the fourth Russian player to get picked in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft round after Alexander Burmistrov, Vladimir Tarasenko and Evgeny Kuznetsov.

Kirill Kabanov, once thought to be one of the prime candidates for the 2010 Entry Draft #1 overall pick, has experienced a serious downhill fall after his departure to Canada this fall.

According to agent Ilya Moliver, Kabanov's problems are caused by his father.

Kirill Petrov of Ak Bars Kazan was invited to New York Islanders' rookie camp. The 20 years old player will most likely leave the KHL this summer and will report to North America, according to Petrov's agent Vyacheslav Makhrensky.

Petrov was U20 team Russia's top scorer at the latest WJC. He's got little chances with Ak Bars this year and he has been demoted down to Kazan's affiliates in the Russian First League, Neftyanik Almetievsk. In the KHL he played only eight regular season games, without getting any point.

Kirill Petrov is likely to join the New York Islanders of the NHL at the end of this season. His KHL team, Ak Bars Kazan, isn't giving him ice time as he was demoted down to the Russian High League.

"I wasn’t getting ice time and I was going to leave for the second half of the season," Petrov said through a translator to The Hockey News. "But management told me after the World (Junior) Championship I will get ice time. I will finish the season in Russia and maybe come to North America next year."

Kirill Petrov was a big part of this year's WJC Team Russia. In the six games of the tournament he scored four points an six assists. He also got the C on the chest after head coach Vladimir Plyuschev decided to strip Nikita Filatov of the captaincy, after the surprising defeat against Team Switzerland in the quarterfinals.

"It means I must be a leader on and off the ice," Petrov said of the captaincy to The Hockey News. "It was the coach’s decision, so I took it."