Islanders Maxim Shabanov Wants to be Traded

New York Islanders forward Maxim Shabanov skates with the puck during 2026 game.

The New York Islanders could have a new trade piece emerging ahead of Friday's 3pm trade deadline.

According to Stefen Rosner of The Elmonters, forward Max Shabanov is open to a trade as he looks for a bigger opportunity elsewhere after struggling to secure a consistent role on Long Island this season.

#Isles F Maxim Shabanov is a name to watch ahead of the Trade Deadline.

Told he's open to a change of scenery to gain more #NHL experience.

That + more on this trade deadline day [Free Friday] @TheElmonters https://t.co/aJ7NuKWTho
— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) March 6, 2026

Max Shabanov open to trade after limited role with Islanders

Shabanov arrived in North America last offseason with plenty of hype after posting 67 points in 65 games for Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL.

Rosner notes the Islanders beat out several teams, including the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Utah Mammoth, to sign the 5-foot-9, 167-pound skilled winger, believing he could step into a top-six role.

I honestly think Shabanov could be included in a big trade or just moved for a change of scenery #Isles https://t.co/unmFmqE5bc
— ISLES UPDATES (@IslesUpdateNY) March 5, 2026

However, the transition hasn’t gone smoothly. The 25-year-old has produced just four goals, 16 total points, and a -3 plus/minus rating in 40 games while averaging under 14 minutes per night.

More recently, Shabanov has found himself frequently scratched as the Islanders push for a playoff spot, which has opened the door to the possibility of a change of scenery.