The New York Islanders have signed Russian forward Maxim Shabanov to a one-year entry-level contract that carries a $975,000 salary-cap hit and includes performance bonuses that could raise the total value to as much as $3.5 million, according to terms disclosed by league sources. Shabanov, 24, joins from Traktor Chelyabinsk of the Kontinental Hockey League after producing 67 points in 65 games last season. The 5-foot-8 winger was among the most sought-after European free agents, with Philadelphia, the New York Rangers and Utah also reportedly expressing interest before he chose Long Island. The move marks the second consecutive summer the Islanders have secured one of the KHL’s top scorers, extending general manager Lou Lamoriello’s strategy of supplementing the roster with established talent from overseas as the club looks to boost its offense for the 2025-26 NHL campaign.