Former AHL All-Star NY Islanders prospect signals end of potential NHL comeback

It appears the final chapter has been written on Ruslan Iskhakov’s time with the New York Islanders organization.

After years of speculation about whether the talented forward would make another push for an NHL role, Iskhakov has instead committed his future to the KHL, signing a two-year contract extension with Metallurg Magnitogorsk. The deal effectively ends any realistic possibility of a return to North America in the near future and closes the book on one of the more intriguing "what if" stories in the Islanders' prospect pipeline.

Selected 43rd overall by the Islanders in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft, Iskhakov was always a fascinating talent. Despite standing just 5-foot-7, he possessed high-end skill, creativity and offensive instincts that made him one of the more entertaining players to watch in the system.

For a time, it looked like he might force his way into the NHL conversation.

During two seasons with the AHL's Bridgeport Islanders, Iskhakov produced 101 points in 138 games, routinely serving as one of the team's most dynamic offensive players. He earned an AHL All-Star selection and consistently demonstrated the puck skills and vision that made him a highly regarded prospect.

The opportunity at the NHL level, however, never fully materialized. Iskhakov appeared in just one game for the Islanders, the season finale in 2023-24, recording one point, before returning to Russia last summer. He also skated in Game 4 of the team's first round playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes, the one game the team won.

Since heading back overseas, the Moscow native has continued to thrive. After joining Metallurg Magnitogorsk from CSKA Moscow, where he was a KHL All-Star in 2024-25, Iskhakov recorded 17 goals and 38 points in 65 regular-season games while adding eight points in 15 playoff contests.

It's a disappointing outcome for fans who hoped his offensive talent would eventually find a place in the NHL. But at 25 years old and now committed long-term in the KHL, Iskhakov has found something equally important: stability, opportunity and a prominent role at one of Russia's top clubs.

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