Kirill Kabanov

History

2008-09: Kirill Kabanov played in 6 regular season games for Spartak Moscow of the KHL, as well as 4 playoff games, registering no points in those games.  He played in several tournaments with Team Russia, including the World Under-18 Championship, the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, and the 5 Nations Under-18 Tournament.

2009-10: This season has been one of controversy and injury for Kabanov.  The talented forward was suspended prior to the season for not signing a contract with his new club, Salavat Yuleav Ufa.  Kabanov's North American rights were held by the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL, which he joined in October.  Due to injuries, however, Kabanov appeared in just 22 games for the Wildcats, scoring 10 goals and adding 13 assists for 23 points in those games.  But Kabanov was given his release from the Wildcats after being a healthy scratch in some late regular season games and the first round of the playoffs.  Kabanov missed out on playing in the World Junior Championships due to an injury, and was not added to the World Under-18 roster.

2010-11: Kabanov displayed high level skills and productivity over the second half and in the QMJHL playoffs after some early season turmoil.He appeared in two October games with Moncton and was obtained by Lewiston in a trade. He finally suited up for the Maineiacs in November after some visa issues. In 37 regular season games with Lewiston, mostly in a lower line role early on, Kabanov scored 11 goals with 17 assists and was +10 plus/minus with 38 PMs. Kabanov and Lewiston coaches Jean-Francois Houle and Darren Rumble proved to be a good fit and the Russian scorer displayed a more well-rounded game. In the playoffs his offensive production took off playing alongside high end Maineiacs scorer Michael Chaput (CBJ) and others. Lewiston finished second in the East Division and reached the playoff semifinals before falling to Memorial Cup champ Saint John. In 15 playoff games Kabanov scored 8 goals with 12 assists – tying Chaput for the team lead in points – and was +7 with 18 PMs. Kabanov signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Islanders in July, 2011.

2011-12: Kabanov had a successful third season in the QMJHL playing for Memorial Cup champion Shawinigan. He scored 21 goals with 34 assists and was plus-32 in 50 regular season games – missing time mid-season due to a concussion. He was the Cataractes leading scorer in the QMJHL playoffs with 4 goals and 9 assists in 11 games as Shawinigan reached the second round after finishing first in the East Division. The Cataractes won the Memorial Cup as the host team, defeating the OHL's London Knights in overtime in the final game. Kabanov scored 1 goal with 4 assists and was plus-two in six Memorial Cup games.

 

Talent Analysis

A speedy winger who plays the game with boatloads of energy and has the hands to make the puck dance, Kabanov's game still needs plenty of work, especially in adding strength to match his enthusiasm on the ice as well as improving his play without the puck. After what is essentially a lost year developmentally, the upcoming season will be essential for any future success he might have.

 

Future

Kabanov has turned pro with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL. He is still a project and needs a few more years to develop before he makes an impact at the professional level. He projects as a top six winger with offensive upside.