Breaking down newest NY Islanders forward Maxim Shabanov’s game

Film Analysis:

After watching the film of Traktor Chelyabinsk games and Shabanov highlights online, here is what stood out about Maxim Shabanov:

The most noticeable aspect of Shabanov's game is his skating ability; he stands out when he is on the ice. As a smaller forward, he makes up for his lack of size with elite shiftiness, agility, and lateral moves. He loves to open his hips up (like Sidney Crosby) and keep his back to the boards, keeping the play in front of him.

Envisioning him in the open space of 3 on 3 overtime in the NHL is a sight Islander's fans should be craving. With the skating abilities of Mathew Barzal and Matthew Schaefer, if he makes the roster, adding Shabanov brings the speed element that Islander's fans have been wanting for the past few years.

For his smaller stature, his agility allows him to slip by, sometimes through, opposing defenders along the halfway and in the dirty areas in the slot. His skating is effortless, fluid, and seems as if hes floating on the ice.

Shabanov does not possess a hard shot, but it is quick and deceptive. Like most high-level hockey players in today's era, he tries to change the shooting angle with either a pull and drag or a quick cut to the outside and shoot across the grain.

As a left-handed shot, Shabanov prefers to play on the right wing. With his forehand inside the dots, his stick positioning allows him to see the ice more easily. On a rush or powerplay, his sights widen with an increase in his peripheral vision.

His body positioning opens up his vision, which leads to his elite passing ability. After watching the film, the way he sets himself up to make plays shows similarities to Artemi Panarin. Both players love to play on their off wings, keeping the middle of the ice open to find the right passing lanes.

Of course, Shabanov will have to prove himself at the NHL level before comparing him to a superstar like Artemi Panarin. But with his flashiness and creativity, there is exciting potential.

My NHL comparison for Shabanov reminds me of Minnesota's Kirill Kaprizov. Both players possess high skill with elite skating ability to create open space. When it comes to his vision and ability to pass through tight lanes, the resemblance to Artemi Panarin is similar. Again, I do not think he will reach the superstar status of Kaprizov and Panarin, but you never know. Islanders fans deserve another creative superstar to play in their forward unit with Mathew Barzal.

What's my early take for Maxim Shabanov's rookie NHL season? 15-20 goals and hovering around the 45-point mark.