Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/6ee5941b-3795-414a-8fa6-e98990b1ba31.jpeg] Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images Russian forward Maxim Shabanov signed a one-year, entry-level contract with the New York Islanders. According to Vince Z. Mercogliano of USA Today [https://x.com/vzmercogliano/status/1940790029619781842] the New York Rangers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers] did make a push to bring Shabanov on board before he ultimately decided to sign with the Islanders. Peter Baugh of The Athletic [https://x.com/Peter_Baugh/status/1940105182446018815] also reported that the Rangers were interested in Shabanov. The finalists to land Shabanov were the Rangers, Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, and Utah Mammoth, according to ESPN’s Kevin Weekes. [https://x.com/KevinWeekes/status/1940086116553757100] Despite standing at just 5-foot-8, 157 pounds, Shabanov’s explosive offensive abilities has made him a household name in the KHL and put NHL teams on notice. This past season, the 24-year-old recorded 23 goals, 44 points, and 67 points in 65 games for Traktor Chelyabinsk. He finished with the third-most points in the KHL during the 2024-25 season.
