Notes on Korobov at the AHL level
He MUST, and I mean MUST, have the same regular partner to be successful. Two years ago, it was he and Gudas. Top pair and a force on the blueline. Once Gudas went to the Bolts, Korobov was like a lost puppy. Last year, he and Wit started as second pairing. Solid and dependable, they played well together. Once the call ups and injuries started and they were seperated, Korobov returned to the lost puppy stage. His selection as "Defenseman of the Year" by Crunch management was the perfect ending to a season that the tapes of should be smashed to pieces, shredded, burned, then buried with the rest of the bull droppings. It was a FRIGGING JOKE.
His foot speed is below average, he makes terrible decisions with any partner except his regular one, and was frequently out of position last year. Some will point out his assist total as "nice" numbers. For a player who should have been one of the leaders on the Crunch blueline, his points are off-set by his plus/minus and his overall poor play.
This is one fan's opinion who has seen him play the last two years and is not impressed. Use the roster spot to bring in another dman and let Korobov return to the KHL.