Kirill Kabanov

Talent has never been a problem for Kabanov but his maturity level certainly has been. Kabanov, who played last season with Shawnigan of the QMJHL, should make his professional debut this season for Bridgeport of the AHL and could progress quickly as he impressed the Islanders in prospect camp this summer. If all goes well Kabanov could be one of the first call-ups when the team needs a forward and, with his skill, he may never go back. Remember his name in keeper leagues as a rising talent.

Kabanov showed enough to the Isles' hierarchy that they signed him to a three-year, entry-level contract this past July. Though he has the talent to play in the NHL, Kabanov has been an enigma so far, and may not have the maturity to rise to hockey's highest level of competition on a full-time basis. Kabanov is unlikely to begin the season on Long Island, but a strong start in Bridgeport could force the Isles to find out what exactly they have in him.

Kabanov could be the type of player that puts the Islanders back on the map. He had quite a few red flags including the worry that he might opt to play in Russia, but his current girlfriend, a model, lives in New York, so there may be not better place for him to play and get his NHL career started. The only reason he wasn’t a first round pick in the draft is because of his attitude. If he decides he wants to play for the Islanders and is willing to give it his all than the Isles may have hit a home run with the pick.