Since I am from shawinigan, i've watched a lot of Kabanov's games this year and all playoffs games so far and he is the best forward of the cats in the PO. He goes in the corners, strong with the puck , awsome hands. I've asked some questions about is off-ice character and he is doing everything the right way this season.
Shawinigan offence is spread on 3 lines that is why you see nobody in the top20 scoring race.
Since I am from shawinigan, i've watched a lot of Kabanov's games this year and all playoffs games so far and he is the best forward of the cats in the PO. He goes in the corners, strong with the puck , awsome hands. I've asked some questions about is off-ice character and he is doing everything the right way this season.
Shawinigan offence is spread on 3 lines that is why you see nobody in the top20 scoring race.
I agree, I've watched Shawinigan when I can and when Kabanov has an off game it doesn't seem to be from a lack of effort, more that the team is based on balance and doesn't really let anyone take control.
He might not be the dominant force some predicted he would be but he's doing everything right at this point. Hopefully the Islanders let him make the NHL at his own pace, because he has really been dedicated to redeeming himself.
Since I am from shawinigan, i've watched a lot of Kabanov's games this year and all playoffs games so far and he is the best forward of the cats in the PO. He goes in the corners, strong with the puck , awsome hands. I've asked some questions about is off-ice character and he is doing everything the right way this season.
Shawinigan offence is spread on 3 lines that is why you see nobody in the top20 scoring race.
I go to a lot of Shawinigan games too. They have tremendous depth on offense, so the ice time was spread up equally in season. At times, he was dominant on the ice, and at other games, he was tryin' to be too fancy with the puck. He is an incredible passer, but he doesn't use his shot enough. His strength and stick handling is impressive, but is IQ is only above average. He really need to take better decisions with the puck!
The coach Eric Veilleux, is a Dave Tippett kind of coach. He asks for a complete effort night in and night out, and he never blamed Kabanov publicly this season, so that's a good sign.
Now, in the playoffs, he's DOMINANT along with his linemates. He made some incredible plays this friday and his effort level was pretty good. He plays with Michael Chaput (CLB) and Anton Zlobin (not yet drafted).
My prediction...Michael Chaput will be an average 2nd line center or excellent 3rd in the NHL. He impresses me more than Kabanov! Strong on faceoffs, very good compete level, tape-to-tape passes, above average IQ.
I think Kabanov can be a very good 2nd line winger with the Islanders, but there prospect pool is strong (Strome, Niedereitter, oksposo, etc.) so my guess is he will end up on a 3rd line or in the KHL.
Lots of great info in here. Thanks a lot guys....please keep us updated. BTW he's heating up in the QMJHL PO's, 1 goal and 5 assists in his last 2 games for 3g 7a 10pt +7 in 6 gp.
I have heard people say that with his past hype he should be tearing up Juniors with goals and points at 19...
But in interviews Kabby has said he concentrates on his defense more now and being a two way foward....
For those who watch him is this true?
Could he still be a top 6 winger skill wise in the NHL?
He's not in the CHL to work on his puck skills. He is there to work on his defense and to be a good boy. Other than refusing to report to Montreal, he's been good this year.
Also, keep in mind that while Shawinigan has a deep offense, they don't have a great top end (Zlobin/Chaput/Kabanov are their big guns offensively). His current line is the probably their best 3 players, but they like to mix up the lines (and create a 1A/1B/1C situation).
He's not in the CHL to work on his puck skills. He is there to work on his defense and to be a good boy. Other than refusing to report to Montreal, he's been good this year.
Also, keep in mind that while Shawinigan has a deep offense, they don't have a great top end (Zlobin/Chaput/Kabanov are their big guns offensively). His current line is the probably their best 3 players, but they like to mix up the lines (and create a 1A/1B/1C situation).
He's not in the CHL to work on his puck skills. He is there to work on his defense and to be a good boy. Other than refusing to report to Montreal, he's been good this year.
Also, keep in mind that while Shawinigan has a deep offense, they don't have a great top end (Zlobin/Chaput/Kabanov are their big guns offensively). His current line is the probably their best 3 players, but they like to mix up the lines (and create a 1A/1B/1C situation).
Now that's a player I would like to see the Isles grab in the later rounds, I've heard some good stuff about him, have you seen him?
Now that's a player I would like to see the Isles grab in the later rounds, I've heard some good stuff about him, have you seen him?
The Isles were gonna have him at camp, but there was some visa issues. Kabanov is good friends with Zlobin, and he has been an advocate of him to Isles management. If he is still available later in the draft, I expect the Isles to grab him.
Now that's a player I would like to see the Isles grab in the later rounds, I've heard some good stuff about him, have you seen him?
I have seen Zlobin played a lot the pas two seasons. It's very tough to say if he has any NHL potential. He is purely a finisher, his hockey sense and skating is only above
average. He really needs to ask some bulk because he can be pushed off the puck against big defensmen.
Since Kabanov came over in a trade, Zlobin has upped his intensity level a lot (has someone to talk to, etc.), but he still needs to improve in this area. The coach must bench him once in a while to get him going. But it's pretty tough for a russian kid to come in NA without talking french or english and stay motivated.
If he makes it in the NHL, he will score 30 goals or be a complete bust. He has the ability to put puck in the back of the net from anywhere on the ice, but too many times he is invisible.
He's not in the CHL to work on his puck skills. He is there to work on his defense and to be a good boy. Other than refusing to report to Montreal, he's been good this year.
Also, keep in mind that while Shawinigan has a deep offense, they don't have a great top end (Zlobin/Chaput/Kabanov are their big guns offensively). His current line is the probably their best 3 players, but they like to mix up the lines (and create a 1A/1B/1C situation).
Chaput and Kabanov have great chemistry since they were in Lewiston last season. Their skillset mesh very well together and I think the Islanders should try to get Chaput (big center, the best on faceoffs, great energy, etc.). They seem to have a lot of fun on the ice and that's a good sign!
I have seen Zlobin played a lot the pas two seasons. It's very tough to say if he has any NHL potential. He is purely a finisher, his hockey sense and skating is only above
average. He really needs to ask some bulk because he can be pushed off the puck against big defensmen.
Since Kabanov came over in a trade, Zlobin has upped his intensity level a lot (has someone to talk to, etc.), but he still needs to improve in this area. The coach must bench him once in a while to get him going. But it's pretty tough for a russian kid to come in NA without talking french or english and stay motivated.
If he makes it in the NHL, he will score 30 goals or be a complete bust. He has the ability to put puck in the back of the net from anywhere on the ice, but too many times he is invisible.
Thanks for the info! Any comparisons to Zlobin? It seem's like his overall 'game' is comparable to current Isle Matt Moulson.
Well looks like Kabanov will be playing in Russia next season. Apparently he's signed with Salavat Yulaev of the KHL.
WHAT?? Thats messed up...He has an ELC with NYI and even said he does not want to go back to russia, is this official?.....He could of atleast went to camp and seen if he made the team....I think he just wants to be handed an NHL spot, imo being in the AHL would be good for him....
Good to hear. So many bunk rumors floating around...really glad this one isn't true. I also think it's cool that Kabanov(despite being labeled a wild child early on)is doing things the right way. Not too many young Russians will bite the bullet and play in the AHL nowadays. Not sure exactly why that is, but I'm sure glad he chose a different path.
Okay so he's expected to play in the AHL next season, and maybe make the NHL in the next few. Makes sense. It doesn't seem there's much room for him on RW with Parenteau, Okposo, and Grabner. And I couldn't see him being used as a 4th liner. Also, just noticed Niederreiter has one goal and zero assists in 54 games and is -29. Ouch! Is he considered some what of a bust or was he perhaps rushed into the NHL?
Hes been obviously rushed too quickly.. Cant call a 19year old a bust
Nope, the Shawinigan beat writer said Kirill denied the rumor. It isn't true.
He wants to play in the NHL but if he dosnt make the jump in the next couple of seasons, i could see him giving up and returning to Russia. I watched him many times this season and I think hes mentaly matured alot. Its not all about him anymore and he takes Eric Veilleux (Shawinigans head coach) very serious. Kabanov gets his message and its helped him pick up his play as well ..
