BREAKING: Islanders Land Highly-Coveted Shabanov

The New York Islanders unbelievably strong summer continues. The Islanders signed top Russian free agent Maxim Shabanov to a one-year, entry-level deal.

Shabanov, 24, marks the second-straight season the Islanders land the top European/Russian free agent on the market.

He scored 23 goals and 67 points in 65 KHL games. The year prior, he scored 25 goals and 50 points in

Shabanov is one of the most elite puck-handlers and skaters in the world. He would be a slam-dunk first-round talent if not for one thing:

Shabanov is just 5’8. He will be one of the smallest NHLers when he joins the team. The move makes it clear, the Islanders are not done making moves. They likely need to shed one or two more forwards before training camp.

Islanders’ European/College lead scout Jim Paliafito once again spearheaded this effort. He landed both Maxim Tsyplakov and Gleb Veremyev, two other coveted players, in the last 13 months.

MORE TO COME