Former KHL sensation and current New York Islander European free agent Maxim Shabanov has touched down on Long Island to compete for the upcoming NHL season. According to the Hockey News, the Islanders signed Shabanov, 24, to a one-year entry-level deal worth $975,000, in July, 2025.The Russian player signed with the Islanders, despite other teams offering him deals, because he believed in the opportunity that presented itself on Long Island. Shabanov has joined the team, seeing a genuine opportunity and a fit within the organization. Let’s take a look at his preparation for the upcoming NHL season.
Maxim Shabanov is all set to appear for the upcoming NHL season
The New York Islanders have signed Russian free agent Maxim Shabanov to a one-year deal at $975,000, as per sources, landing the top European free agent for the second straight summer after signing Maxim Tsyplakov a year ago. As per reports, Maxim Shabanov is all set to appear for the upcoming NHL season this year. Regarding his previous performances, the left-shooting winger had a stellar campaign in the KHL with Traktor Chelyabinsk. In his final KHL season, he has registered 23 goals with 44 assists for 67 points with Traktor, with his assists and points being new career highs. As per reports, the young player will be skating with Mathew Barzal this season, given his speed and creative style. It will be interesting to watch what this new player will bring with him this time on NHL.
Revisiting Maxim Shabanov’s career with the KHL before entering the Islanders
The New York Islanders signed forward Maxim Shabanov to a one-year, entry-level contract this year in July 2025. According to the Islanders, Shabanov, 24, averaged over a point per game with 23 goals and 44 assists in 65 games last season with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
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He set career highs in points, assists, and plus-minus rating (+17). The Chelyabinsk, Russia, native added 20 points (10 goals and 10 assists) in 21 playoff games, as Traktor advanced to the Gagarin Cup Final. He led the KHL in playoff goals and plus-minus rating (+14).Also read: NHL Rumor: Penguins and Golden Knights battle to sign KHL sensation Maxim Shabanov | NHL News – Times of IndiaIn 207 career regular-season games over parts of four seasons with Traktor, Shabanov has scored 150 points (67 goals and 83 assists). He’s added 31 points (13 goals and 18 assists) in 36 KHL playoff games. As for his international performance, Shabanov represented his country at the 2017 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2016 U17 World Hockey Challenge, where he clinched the bronze medal.