Islanders Stun Rangers by Snatching Top Russian Free Agent in Shocking Twist
Photo credit: On Pattison
The New York Islanders have secured highly-touted and sought-after forward Maxim Shabanov, who played this year with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL, over divisional foes like the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers.
Several Metropolitan Division NHL teams were in the running to sign highly-touted forward Maxim Shabanov, who played this year with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL.
While the Rangers were widely considered the front-runners, he's instead landed with a club that will make Rangers fans wince - the divisional foe New York Islanders.
Shabanov has been confirmed to have signed a 1-year deal with the Islanders, picking them over the Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers.
With Traktor Chelyabinsk, he averaged over a point per game and finished with 67 points (23G, 44A) in 65 games. He then led all KHL players with 10 postseason goals, helping his club advance to the Gagarin Cup Final.
The previous year, he was almost as productive with 50 points (25G, 25A) in 64 games.
His scouting report via Dobber Prospects reads as follows:
His upside is just above a point-per-game, and that makes him as valuable in fantasy hockey as any top prospect. And just as much of a risk. At any rate, the wait time on Shabanov is zero (which, in itself, is quite valuable), and you will have your answer as to fantasy value soon enough. He should be treated like you would treat a top three pick in the 2025 draft: similar upside (though not quite as high), higher risk of being a bust, but a lot less wait time.
The Islanders, who took defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the 1st overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, now have another highly-touted young talent to add to their roster as they look to return to the postseason after missing this year.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 2 | 205 ANSWERS Islanders Stun Rangers by Snatching Top Russian Free Agent in Shocking Twist Can Maxim Shabanov have success in the NHL with the Islanders? | ||
| Yes | 117 | 57.1 % |
| No | 88 | 42.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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