Max Shabanov is being praised for his defensive work through his first two games with the NY Islanders

When the NY Islanders won the Max Shabanov sweepstakes this summer, the scouting report was that they were getting a highly skilled, undersized forward. Through two NHL games, Shabanov has been just that, scoring his first career goal in his first game, and showing off his skillful ingenuity with a slick spin move in last night's game that nearly led to a goal.

Despite all the intrigue surrounding Shabanov’s offensive prowess entering his first season in North America, one of the more surprising facets of the Russian’s game has been his defense.

Shabanov is getting it done on both ends of the ice

Standing only 5’8”, his modest demeanor leads one to believe that he’d struggle with strength on the puck and play within his own zone. But it has been quite the opposite, leaving Patrick Roy impressed by the rookie in all zones. 

“The way he defends, you know, I think I’ve mentioned that,” Roy said after this morning's practice. “Ask him, ‘Why are you so worried about defense?’ Because defense wins championships. So when you ask a player and he tells you he thinks like this, and his defending speaks for itself. Some could say ‘I want to defend,’ but when they’re on the ice, they don’t do it. The kid does it. So I’m very impressed with him.”

Shabanov has lined up in both games this season on JG Pageau’s wing. Pageau has been praised for his work in the defensive zone since entering the league in 2013. If there's one player to learn from regarding defensive effort for a forward, it’s Pageau - and Shabanov is getting a front row seat every night.