Maxim Shabanov’s NHL dream has officially landed on Long Island with the New York Islanders.
The 24-year-old Russian winger, an intriguing and coveted free agent this offseason, reported to the Islanders’ rookie camp this week with energy, confidence, and an eagerness to prove himself.
“I chose America because it’s every kid’s dream to play in the NHL,” Shabanov said via NewYorkIslanders.com through fellow Isles prospect Gleb Veremyev, who acted as his translator. “I want to challenge myself.”
Shabanov followed his heart to the Islanders after putting up 67 points (23 goals, 44 assists) in 65 KHL games last season with Traktor Chelyabinsk, finishing third in league scoring. Despite his 5’9”, 167-pound frame, he doesn’t shy away from contact. “I strong,” he said with a grin.
Bridgeport head coach Rocky Thompson noted how quickly Shabanov has stood out. “He kind of pops off the page at you,” Thompson said. “And he should—he’s a little bit older and has the pedigree of playing in the KHL. You can see his skillset in the drills we’re doing.” Shabanov has embraced the smaller North American rink and the faster game. “I feel good,” he said. “I like the smaller rink, it’s a faster game and that’s the way I like to play.”
Off the ice, he’s fitting in just as well. Matthew Schaefer even jumped into Shabanov’s first media scrum with a joke about his hair routine, sparking laughter all around. Humor has helped bridge any language barriers, with Veremyev and the Isles’ Russian core—Sorokin, Romanov, Varlamov, and Tsyplakov—helping him acclimate.
For now, Shabanov isn’t worried about his lineup spot. His focus is simple: “I feel good, everything is a bit new but I’m ready to go. They’re teaching me how to develop, just like everyone else.”