Maxim Shabanov's former teammate in Russia praises the newest NY Islanders' work ethic

The adage goes, "hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." For some players that may not have the ideal body type for the NHL, that work ethic is necessary even to have a chance in the NHL, let alone become a star.

Although he was the top European free agent this summer, upon examining Maxim Shabanov, he doesn't exactly exude NHL superstar potential. At 5'8" and 160 lbs., Shabanov is the type of player GMs would shy away from 20 years ago. But in today's game, smaller players have a place on the ice, and while there must be talent, they typically have to work much harder to earn that opportunity than those with size.

Now 24 years old, Shabanov has spent the last three seasons playing in the KHL. Before reaching the top league in Russia, he spent the majority of his time in the VHL (Russia's version of the AHL). Though he was smaller in stature, Shabanov's work ethic eventually led him to become one of Russia's biggest stars.

"Everyone has their own path. Some took off straight away, some go through thorns," said Mikhail Kotlyarevsky, Shabanov's teammate with Traktor Chelyabinsk, according to Daria Tuboltseva of vseprosport.ru (translated from Russian). For example, Maxim Shabanov played in the VHL for two years. But the way he approaches the matter, the way he trains — many say that he has talent, but talent is backed by work. He comes to the arena first and leaves last; he puts a lot into himself.

That first man in, last man out mentality led Shabanov to becoming the third highest scorer in the KHL last season with 67 points (23 G, 44 A) in 65 games, while adding another 20 points (10 G, 10 A) in the playoffs on a run to the Gagarin Cup Finals.

Shabanov's work ethic may have gotten him a shot in the NHL, but he'll have to work even harder to excel in the world's top league.