Islanders Draft Review: Kirill Petrov
The 2008 NHL Entry Draft was a highly anticipated event for Islander fans. With the Islanders holding the #5 pick, they were almost assured of coming away with an impact player. However, GM Garth Snow chose to restock the Prospect pool and traded down twice to the #9 spot in order to gain more picks in the second and third rounds. It was a risky move, but it could pay off huge dividends in the future. Here’s a look at the prospects the Islanders drafted:
Kirill Petrov-RW-6′3, 218 lbs.-Shoots Left- 3rd round pick (73rd Overall)
Positives: Power forward type who can dominate a game…powerful skater who is tough to knock off the puck…possesses a wealth of talent in the goal scoring and creativity departments
Negatives: His motivation level is suspect…doesn’t always utilize his talents to their greatest potential…may never see the NHL due to his Russian playing commitments
Analysis: Petrov was rated a top ten talent at one point, but fears about him staying permanently overseas scared off many potential suitors. If (admittedly, a huge if) the Islanders can woo him over to America when his contract expires in two years, he may be the steal of the draft. However, the Russian Hockey Federation will be much more vigilant about letting their brightest stars slip away in the future, so the odds of seeing him in an Islander uniform seem slim at this point.
My grade for this pick: B-
Author Bio
Frank has been a fan of the New York Islanders since seeing his first hockey game way back in 1977.
He reveled in the success of the Dynasty years and endured the time the team has spent in the basement of the league.
He also covers the Isles and New York Jets for www.sportstalkbuzz.com and writes a regular fantasy hockey column for www.rotoexperts.com.
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