The New York Islanders' offseason is shaping up to be a resounding success, punctuated by the recent signing of KHL standout Maxim Shabanov. The team officially announced the one-year, entry-level contract for the 24-year-old forward on Wednesday. Shabanov's arrival brings a dynamic offensive element to Long Island, further solidifying the Islanders' efforts to retool and contend for a playoff spot after missing out in 2025.
Shabanov is coming off a career-best year in the KHL with Traktor Chelyabinsk, where he tallied 23 goals and 44 assists for 67 points in 65 regular-season games. He also led the KHL in the playoffs with 10 goals and a plus-minus of +14, adding 10 assists in 21 games as Traktor reached the Gagarin Cup Final. Over his 207-game KHL career, Shabanov accumulated 67 goals and 83 assists for 150 points.
General Manager Mathieu Darche appears to have once again demonstrated his knack for identifying and acquiring impactful talent. Reportedly, the Islanders had to fend off interest from rival teams like the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers to secure Shabanov's signature. This marks the second consecutive summer that the Islanders have successfully tapped into the KHL free-agent market, following last year's addition of Maxim Tsyplakov. These moves highlight the organization's growing ability to attract international players, particularly from Russia, who can potentially make an immediate contribution to the team. The presence of fellow Russians Ilya Sorokin, Semyon Varlamov, and Alexander Romanov on the Islanders roster should provide Shabanov with a comfortable environment as he transitions to the NHL.
While Shabanov may not yet be a household name for many NHL fans, his KHL statistics speak volumes. Despite his smaller stature (5'8"), he possesses impressive speed, exceptional puck-handling skills, and a knack for scoring goals. He has been described as a "turbocharged top-nine winger with serious upside". Darche has prioritized versatility and skill in his offseason acquisitions, and Shabanov fits that mold perfectly. His two-way instincts and ability to perform in high-pressure playoff situations further enhance his value to the team.
Shabanov's contract carries a $975,000 cap hit with the potential for $3.5 million in bonuses. He is projected to start his NHL career in a third-line left-wing role but could also be deployed on the right wing, depending on how the Islanders utilize Anthony Duclair and Jonathan Drouin. There's even the possibility of him playing on the same line as Tsyplakov.
Some see similarities between Shabanov and Ruslan Iskhakov, another smaller, skilled forward who played briefly for the Islanders before leaving for the KHL. However, Shabanov's KHL production at the same age significantly outpaces Iskhakov's, suggesting a higher potential for success in the NHL.
Overall, the signing of Maxim Shabanov adds another layer of excitement to an already promising offseason for the New York Islanders. With a mix of strategic draft picks and shrewd free-agent acquisitions, the team is striving to build a more competitive and dynamic roster for the upcoming season.
