EAST MEADOW — While most of the attention at day one of New York Islanders rookie camp was on No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer, it was our first time getting a look at European free agent signing Maxim Shabanov.
The 24-year-old winger is a skating highlight reel, as seen in the film from the KHL. But to see him in person for the first time was something special.
Maxim Shabanov Taking Part In Islanders Rookie Camp; Full Roster
EAST MEADOW, NY — Maxim Shabanov is taking part in New York Islanders rookie camp.
The young forward can flat out fly and has a nifty set of hands on him:
“He’s an amazing player,” Schaefer said following day one. “He’s a top prospect, so it’s fun to go up against him. You’ve got to be on your A-game every time, because guys like him are going to make big plays.”
Shabanov signed his one-year entry-level deal this summer and is likely to make the Islanders out of camp after playing four seasons in the KHL. He chose the Islanders because of the opportunity that presented itself.
When it comes to an “older” prospect, you want to see them stand out, and Shabanov surely made a good first impression.
“He’s so skilled,” Islanders prospect and NHL hopeful Calum Ritchie said. “I mean, you see some of his highlights, and then you see him out there. It’s unreal. So it’s a lot of fun to watch.”
Shabanov’s skating and creativity make you wonder how well he could fit on Mathew Barzal’s wing, now that No. 13 is moving back to center and off Bo Horvat’s line, at least to start the 2025-26 season.
It’s evident that the talent is there. The biggest question is whether the 5’9, 167-lb forward can handle the NHL physicality.
“Everyone has seen his highlight tapes,” third-year prospect Matthew Maggio told The Hockey News. “And even just being out here for a few days like he has, you can just see the skill so evident. The way he can control the puck…it’s on a string, it looks like, and he’s so shifty. I’m excited to see him in a game environment and see what he can do out there.”
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