For a second consecutive year, the Islanders have managed to snag the top Russian UFA. Signing Maxim Tsyplakov last year, and now signing winger Maxim Shabanov to a one-year entry level contract, beating out the division rival New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers for his services.
This is a major signing for new GM Mathieu Darche. The 24 year-old winger has played for the Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL for the last 3 years. Shabanov is a smaller but highly skilled winger. Standing at 5’8, Shabanov put up 23 goals and 67 points for Traktor last season. Shabanov is a dynamic skater who has great upside with his playmaking ability. Shabanov was easily the most sought after international free agent on the market. His agility allows him to slip through incoming forecheckers, and flashes elite skills with his slick passing and his above average shot. Shabanov profiles as a top-six forward right out of the gate, and the Islanders just finished off a fantastic start to the Darche era.
Projected Forward Lineup:
Drouin-Horvat-Holmstrom
Lee-Barzal-Shabanov
Duclair-Pageau-Palmieri
Heineman-Cizikas-Tsyplakov
BS Reports 
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