New York Islanders Sign KHL Standout Maxim Shabanov to Entry-Level Contract

Chelyabinsk native brings impressive offensive production from Kontinental Hockey League

Elmont, NY–The New York Islanders continued their active offseason by signing forward Maxim Shabanov to a one-year, entry-level contract, the team announced today. The 24-year-old Russian forward comes to Long Island after a breakout season with Traktor Chelyabinsk in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

Offensive Production in Russia

Shabanov dominated the KHL during the 2024-25 season, averaging over a point-per-game with 67 points (23 goals, 44 assists) in 65 regular-season games with Traktor Chelyabinsk. The Chelyabinsk native set career highs across multiple categories, including points, assists, and plus-minus rating (+17).

His impact extended into the playoffs, where Shabanov truly shined on hockey’s biggest stage in Russia. The forward tallied 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in 21 playoff games as Traktor advanced to the Gagarin Cup Final. Most impressively, Shabanov led the entire KHL in playoff goals and plus-minus rating (+14) during the postseason run.

Four-Year KHL Career

Over parts of four seasons with Traktor, Shabanov has established himself as a consistent offensive threat. In 207 career regular season games, he’s accumulated 150 points (67 goals, 83 assists). His playoff experience includes 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) across 36 KHL playoff games.

International Experience

Shabanov represented Russia on the international stage during his junior career, competing at the 2017 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and earning bronze at the 2016 U17 World Hockey Challenge.

Islanders’ Continued Roster Building

The Shabanov signing represents another piece in the Islanders’ ongoing roster construction. The team recently signed defenseman Alexander Romanov to an eight-year contract extension and selected Matthew Schaefer with the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Shabanov’s offensive production and playoff experience could provide valuable depth for an Islanders organization looking to return to postseason contention. His ability to contribute in high-pressure situations, demonstrated during Traktor’s Gagarin Cup Final run, adds an intriguing element to New York’s forward group.

The one-year, entry-level contract gives both player and organization flexibility while allowing Shabanov to adapt to North American hockey.