Islanders sign forward Maxim Shabanov to one-year, entry-level contract

Mathieu Darche smiles as he is introduced as the new General Manager of the New York Islanders at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y., Thursday, May 29, 2025. (Howard Schnapp/Newsday via AP)

Maxim Shabanov, a sought-after KHL free agent, is joining the New York Islanders.

The team announced Wednesday it has signed Shabanov to a one-year, entry-level contract.

The 24-year-old recorded 67 points (23 goals and 44 assists) in 65 games last season with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL, setting career highs in points, assists and plus-minus rating (plus-17).

He added 20 points (10 goals and 10 assists) in 21 playoff games as Traktor advanced to the Gagarin Cup Final, leading the KHL in both playoff goals and plus-minus (plus-14).

Across 207 career regular-season games with Traktor, Shabanov has posted 150 points (67 goals and 83 assists). He’s added 31 points (13 goals and 18 assists) in 36 career KHL playoff appearances.

Sportsnet.ca no longer supports comments.