Maxim Shabanov

July 2025 – Shabanov signed a one-year entry-level contract worth $975,000 with the New York Islanders, which expires at the end of the 2025-26 season. He can make up to an additional $3.5 million in performance bonuses.

After much speculation that he would sign with the Philadelphia Flyers, Shabanov settled with the Islanders, where he may start as a middle-six forward. Still, he may not take long to carve out a prominent role in their top-six and see power play usage.

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 and assists. This marks the Islanders’ second consecutive off-season signing a sought-after Russian forward, as Shabanov joins Maxim Tsyplakov on Long Island. Shabanov should be rostered in all leagues. Mark Henry

June 2025 – Shabanov is easily the most coveted free agent outside the NHL after finishing third in scoring in the KHL, second in the playoffs, and second for both combined with 87 points in 86 games. A smaller player (5-8) who was never drafted, he caught the NHL’s attention in 2023-24 when he broke out at 23, picking up 50 points in 64 contests. His shiftiness and agility enable him to slip through checks, making him a threat both to pass and shoot. He will either continue to do that at the NHL level and thrive, like a lesser Artemi Panarin, or he will be just a half-step shy of getting away with it, like a Nikita Gusev. Regardless, 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. Dobber