Position: LW
Height: 6'3"
Birthdate: July 17th, 1992 (19 years old)
Birthplace: Moscow, Russia
Acquired: Draft, 3rd round, 65th overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft
2010-2011 Team: Moncton Wildcats/Lewiston MAINEiacs
2010-2011 Stats: 39 GP - 11 G - 17 A - 28 P - 28 PIM. (Playoffs: 15 GP - 8 G - 12 A - 20 P)
2011-2012 Team: Montreal Juniors
Team Role: Top 6 Forward
Last year: Kabanov had yet another wild year last year, being shipped off early from Moncton to Lewiston and having trouble finding chemistry with linemates. His skill was always evident, it just wasn't clicking with the rest of the team. However, once Kabanov found his groove, everything started flowing. He ended the year with decent stats and went on an absolute power run in the playoffs with Lewiston. He became a teammate rather than a selfish player and took on a leadership role in the lockerroom. He was also nominated for the QMJHL's Humanitarian of the Year award, showing that while he knows he's made mistakes in the past, he's clearly trying to make up for it and mature as much as possible. After what we saw in the playoffs when provided with a top line role and teammates who work for him, Kabanov's potential is sky high. Clearly Garth Snow realized this as well when he signed Kabanov to his 3 year ELC on July 1st.
Expectations: Unfortunately, the MAINEiacs folded under financial trouble and the team was dissolved. A special draft was held, and Kabanov was selected by the Montreal Junior hockey club. This is the team that Lewiston eliminated last year, so hopefully no hard feelings carry over (this is a team of young teenagers, remember that) and chemistry can form between him and his new linemates. We definitely expect a bigger year stat wise from Kabanov and a top role considering his age and skill. This may be the make or break year for Kabanov in terms of where he's going to be placed in the depth chart and in terms of his longevity with the Islanders. If he puts up solid numbers in the Q this year, he will most definitely find himself a top slot on Bridgeport come 2012-2013.
Projections: 58 GP - 29 G - 25 A - 54 P
Thoughts:
AT: Everyone including myself was ecstatic when Kabanov was picked originally, as we all knew his potential and why he fell so far. Once heralded as "the next Ovechkin", Kabanov's attitude and path in life have troubled him greatly. After meeting him at the draft party this year, I can tell that this kid has changed, and has a desire to continue maturing. He clearly still wants to have fun, but at a reasonable level - as anyone should be able to. Kabanov is definitely on the right path, and what he shows this year when he is inevitably returned to Montreal (no way he makes the team) should and hopefully will prove to the fans and the organization that he is the talent we all knew he was.
CH: This is a huge year for Kabanov's development, as he needs to show the Islanders that they were right to sign him one year before they had to. It's obvious that Kabanov has a ton of skill - he is a great skater, stickhandler and a great shot. He just needs to put everything together in the QMJHL this season. One thing that's always been overstated are his "attitude problems." He's not a bad kid, he is just immature, which is something that can and should be corrected over time. The fact that he is living on Long Island during the summer shows that he does have commitment to this franchise. Yes, he has made some bad social media decisions, but that comes with the immaturity of being a 19 year old kid. Overall, it was great value to pick him in the third round. The Islanders have been trying to put him in positions to succeed, and they gave him more confidence by signing him to a contract. Now, it's all up to Kabanov.
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