Kirill Kabanov 2010-11 SEASON REVIEW:

Kirill Kabanov

Date of birth: July 16, 1992 (2010-11 Season Age: 18)

Place of birth: Moscow, Russia

Height: 6’2

Weight: 176

Shooting Hand: Right

QMJHL Season: 2nd QMJHL Season

Drafted: Islanders In The 3rd Round (65th Overall) Of The 2010 Draft

Acquired: Originally Drafted By The NY Islanders

2010-11 Season Stats:

Lewiston/Moncton  QMJHL:  GP: 39  G: 11 A: 17 P: 28 PIM: 38

Short-Term Status: 

He will go back to Lewiston of the QMJHL next season and will be expected to put up at least a point-per-game. He will be given every opportunity to achieve that so he must step up and continue contributing.

Long-Term Status:

Kabanov is a low-risk prospect, he has ELITE skill but his maturity and heart are major concerns. If he doesn’t pan out, its not the end of the world because the Isles only used a 3rd rounder on him, if he does grow up and reach his potential, he could be an NHL star. It will be interesting to track his career going forward. 

Contract Status:

He has no NHL contract as of May 17, 2011

Review: 

Kirill Kabanov is one of the most intriguing players in the entire Islanders organization, he started off his career as a likely candidate to go in the top-3 of the 2010 NHL draft and was touted as the next russian super star. As the draft approached people began to notice the ongoing list of immature behavior Kabanov was displaying (controversy with Russia, problems at Moncton, firing of numerous agents). He ended up dropping all the way to the third round where the Isles decided to take a chance of him. Fans were optimistic as right off the bat at prospect camp he was vowing to be a better person, but he continued having issues through Isles training camp. Once he was returned to the Q, he was promptly traded to Lewiston. He had an inconsistent yet solid regular season, but his post-season was as good as it could get. He had 8 goals and 12 assists for 20 points in 15 games which was the most of any player on his team. He was dynamic and was good in every zone. His coaches and many of his teammates were also praising his leadership and improved personality in the locker room. If that wasn’t impressive enough, he also decided to try and fix his relations with his home country, Russia, which really is an impressive move as he must swallow his pride and admit he was wrong. Overall, he had an interesting year.

Season Grade (A+ to F-): B+

His playoffs were HUGE and really made his season something positive. It seems as though his maturity has improved dramatically. He NEEDS to continue his solid play-off performance into next season for him to be considered a legit top prospect. 

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