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Vorobiev was drafted in the 1st round, 11th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. After playing for the Blackhawks for two seasons, Vorobiev announced in August, 2006, that he would not be returning to the team, but would instead play in Russia. Vorobiev accused Americans, but especially the Blackhawks organization, of being biased against Russians. The Blackhawks still have the NHL rights to Vorobiev until the end of the 2008–09 season. Vorobiev has not ruled out playing in the NHL again, and said he hopes the Blackhawks trade his NHL rights.[1]
Selected by Toronto in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Was initially projected as a solid second or third round pick by many, but slid due to concerns about weight at NHL draft combine. Comes from the same Togliatti school as former Maple Leaf prospect Max Kondratiev. Vorobiev's teammate Maxim Semenov was also selected by the Leafs in the 2004 draft. 2005-06: Vorobiev has remained overseas playing for his hometown Tolyatti Lada club. He recorded a career high in points with nine in just 42 games
2006-07: Vorobiev broke out in his third full season with Tolyatti Lada of the Russian Super League. First and foremost thought of as a reliable, stay-at-home defenseman, Vorobiev scored 10 goals and added seven assists for 17 points in 54 games. 2007-08: Entering his fifth season with Lada Togliatti (Russia), the defenseman put up decent numbers. He recorded 28 points (16+12) in 55 games and 74 PIM during the regular season. In postseason action, he netted an additional three goals in four appearances.
Vorobiev does everything well, and has made a solid mark in the Lada hockey program. Some scouts are concerned that he has no particular stand-out skills, although there are no stand-out weaknesses either. A solid skater who is already a solid 210 lbs, Vorobiev has the strength and balance to defend against NHL-size opposition already.
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