Ice Scoopz: Monday Morning

*-> The KHL vs the NHL saga took another twist late last week as once highly coveted Russian prospect Kirill Kabanov was sent home from the Under 18 Russian squad shortly after he had arrived to camp. The Russian brass told the media he showed up to camp thinking he was the star and better than the team. He was subsequently benched then told he was off the squad although he was one of the better players on the team. Kabanovs agent is claiming this was all politics and Kabanov has no dressing room problems and still has the goal of making the NHL. The Moncton Wildcats had allowed him to return late from wrist surgery so he may play in the U18s even though they are deep in the playoffs. Kabanov's stock has dropped drastically from challenging Taylor Hall all of last season for number one down to 12th this season and now 31st. The main dip was due to a nagging wrist injury suffered playing in the KHL last season causing him to miss all but 22 games this season. This turn of events is rumored to be payback for Kirill leaving the KHL to play in the CHL this season to adjust to the North American game. His rights were traded right before he left for Moncton leaving his team short a highly touted player plus the return the gave up. The KHL tried to fight Kabanovs departure but was unsuccessful as he had a release clause in his contract. The IIHF ruled in Kabanovs favor. JP Barry has said his client had to leave the KHL in order to pursue his dream of playing in the NHL as he would have been required to sign long term in Russia.