Brett Connolly and Kirill Kabanov, two of the top prospects for the 2010 Entry Draft in NHL Central Scouting's midterm rankings, will not be playing in the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

The game, to be held Jan. 20 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ont., features a skills contest and a game featuring the 40 best draft-eligible players from the three leagues that make up the Canadian Hockey League -- the Western Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Connolly, a right wing with the Prince George Cougars (WHL), has been plagued by a hip injury for most of the season, limiting him to just 12 games. Despite the injuries, he has 7 goals and 13 points in his limited playing time, earning him the No. 4 spot among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting's midterm rankings.

Slated to play for Team Bobby Orr, Connolly will be replaced by Steven Shipley of the Owen Sound Attack (OHL). A 6-foot-2, 204-pound center, Shipley has 14 goals and 42 points in 44 games with the Attack. Shipley is No. 44 on Central Scouting's list.

Also missing the game will be Kirill Kabanov of the Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL). A highly touted Russian-born player, Kabanov arrived in Moncton late due to a legal battle over his playing rights, and then he injured his wrist in November. Surgery was needed to fix the problem, and he likely won't be back until mid-February. He did post 14 points in 11 games before getting hurt, and is No. 15 on Central Scouting's list.

Replacing Kabanov on Team Don Cherry will be Louis-Marc Aubry of the Montreal Juniors (QMJHL). A 6-3, 190-pound center, Aubry has 8 goals and 24 points in 41 games. He is No. 89 on Central Scouting's list.

Hockey legend Bobby Orr and Hockey Night in Canada personality Don Cherry will coach the two teams.

The rosters for the game are assembled by Central Scouting following a poll sent to all 30 NHL clubs on which prospects they would like to see.

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You have GOT to be kidding me....

All the better for the Senators to scoop him up.

Ranked 4th and Number 15 respectively and u subtitue someone ranked 44th and 89? respectively.

This makes no sense to me unless it has to do something with-which i think is the only logical answer-their injures.

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^ It's exactly that, they're both injured, therefore, they cannot play in the prospects game.

And I doubt the Sens will get Kirill Kabanov unless they got a top 10 pick. No matter where Kabanov is ranked, he's just too good to pass up for a top 10 team. I really want the Habs to pick him up, but realistically, unless we get a top 10 pick, it won't happen.

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LMFAO you have high expectations for the Sens! 10th seems just about right.

Not really, but there are just worse teams than the Sens... but that goaltending tandem needs some work on the Sens. Wow.

Ye and defensive tandems too

*caugh* Eli Wilson *Cough*

but at the pace ottawa is going this year they will get a top 10 pick if there goaltending doent pick up. i wouldnt be surprised to see mike brodeur back up soon because this goaltending is brutal by the sens

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