Russian risk drops talented prospects 

May, 21, 2010
05/21/10
7:45
AM ET

You've read dozens of rumors in our blog and in NHL Rumor Central about enigmatic Russian winger Kirill Kabanov -- formerly of the Moncton Wildcats, formerly of the Russian U-18 team -- who is currently residing in the Calgary home of his agent, J.P. Barry.

After a tumultuous season, the talented sniper is the definition of risky pick heading into the 2010 draft.

Kabanov's surgically repaired wrist may not be fully healed. While with the Wildcats in the QMJHL, he may or may not have taken a sick day to get a few tattoos and may or may not have taken a Caribbean vacation after telling the team he was visiting family in Russia. After leaving Moncton, he may or may not have been kicked off the Russian U-18 team prior to April's World Championships for either wearing the wrong color helmet to practice or eating a peanut from a bowl in coach Mikhail Vasiliev's office.

But despite the questions about Kabanov's behavior, as far as the Russians are concerned, he may just be the safest bet in this year's draft.


To see the rest of this report detailing the fear teams have of Russian draft-eligible prospects and hear directly from Kirill Kabanov about his beyond-curious season, you must be an ESPN Insider.

Lindsay Berra is a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine.

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