Former NY Islanders winger Ruslan Iskhakov is planning a return to North America

Ruslan Iskhakov, a former second-round pick of the New York Islanders, intends to return to North America after next season. Speaking with Match TV, the 25-year-old confirmed that once his current contract in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) expires after the 2025–26 season, he plans to make another push toward the NHL.

Iskhakov was drafted 43rd overall by the Islanders in 2018 and spent time developing in Europe and North America before making his NHL debut on Long Island during the 2023–24 season, playing and picking up an assist in the regular season finale and getting minutes in Game 4 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Despite showing flashes of creativity and offensive skill, he returned to Russia in 2024, signing a two-year deal with CSKA Moscow. This past summer, he was traded to Metallurg Magnitogorsk, but the move hasn’t altered his plans.

In his first AHL season, Iskhakov finished with 51 points (17 G, 34 A), third best in the AHL among all first-year players. The following year, he had 50 points (18 G, 32 A) on for a Bridgeport team that struggled offensively. He also became known for his highlight reel shootout and breakaway goals that were on display in games and skills competitions.

The Islanders continue to hold his NHL rights until he turns 27, giving them a potential opportunity to bring him back without competition from other teams. That means if Iskhakov does cross the Atlantic after next season, the Islanders would have the first chance to integrate him back into their lineup or negotiate his future. But who knows if there will be a place for him on Matheiu Darche's roster.

Iskhakov has skill, but also lacks size, and he didn't exactly light up the KHL last season to make you feel that he was a future NHL regular. For Iskhakov, the next year in the KHL will serve as a final proving ground before attempting to re-establish himself in the NHL. The new KHL season begins September 5, with plenty of eyes tracking his progress.