Max Shabanov Deserves a Second Chance With the Islanders 

The New York Islanders will have to make a decision on Max Shabanov this summer. They can qualify him, trade him, or use this as a chance to see what he can do under Pete DeBoer. Last season wasn’t what they were hoping it would be for Shabanov. In 44 games, he had five goals and 13 assists for 18 points while dealing with injuries and inconsistent ice time under Patrick Roy. 

Before joining the Islanders, Shabanov put up 67 points in 65 games with Traktor Chelyabinsk, adding 20 points in 21 playoff games during Traktor’s run to the Gagarin Cup Final. The Islanders saw potential in his skilled touches and creative playmaking ability. Now they have a chance to evaluate just how good he really is at this level.

Shabanov Needs Consistent Playing Time to Thrive 

Shabanov needs consistent playing time if the Islanders plan to use him next season. The Islanders aren’t working with a fourth-line winger that can be used in a checking role. That’s why the idea of him only playing nine minutes a night while chipping and chasing alongside two unskilled players is absurd. That would defeat the point of bringing him in and should be seen as a wasted opportunity for both parties. 

Shabanov needs at least third-line ice time with linemates who match his IQ to have a chance to succeed with the Islanders. He needs to get into a role that allows him to show what he can do with the puck. Shabanov provides valuable skill, making plays that others cannot make. The Islanders don’t have enough players with those qualities, which makes it pointless to leave Shabanov on the bench.  

DeBoer Provides Shabanov a Potential Reset 

It’s worth noting that there are some factors working in favor of giving Shabanov a second shot. Most importantly, he won’t have to deal with the same coaching system and style under DeBoer. Shabanov was always a little uneasy playing for Roy because he never had clear instructions. It’s not a mystery why he couldn’t find his feet this season.

Under DeBoer, Shabanov gets the chance to reset and start a new chapter of his career. The Islanders get a fresh perspective, but more importantly, he can finally be evaluated based on his natural skills and talents. As long as DeBoer doesn’t want him to become something that he isn’t, Shabanov can make the right impression on his new coaching staff. 

No Risk to Retain Him for Next Season 

The Islanders don’t lose much from a contract standpoint. Shabanov has a one-year, $975,000 contract and will be a restricted free agent once it expires this offseason. This means that there won’t be any salary cap concerns associated with keeping Shabanov. What else could they lose from holding onto him? 

If they can’t find someone who wants to pay for Shabanov and add him to their lineup, then the Isles can’t gain anything by moving him. They get a chance to add low-cost skill with a player who still has upside if the Islanders can figure out how to utilize him.

Only Trade Him If You Have No Plan for Him

The Islanders need to move Shabanov if DeBoer thinks that the winger doesn’t have a place in the lineup. Otherwise, they shouldn’t waste an extra year of his prime on a fringe prospect or fourth-round pick that they don’t need anyway. They should try to evaluate his potential while retaining him for the 2026-27 season and beyond. 

Shabanov expressed his desire to be traded before the 2026 Trade Deadline, but the Islanders couldn’t find him a home. It’s not a secret why that happened since he was looking for opportunities to make a name for himself. But it’s up to Shabanov and the Islanders to come together and decide what to do with the player moving forward. Shabanov needs to stay healthy. He needs to step up and provide value before the Islanders can pull the trigger on a trade. Right now, he has none. 

Something has to give. Shabanov still has to prove he belongs in this league, but the Islanders need to be willing to see what they have instead of falling back into the same stale roster decisions that left them searching for more offense in the first place.