Can the Wild Unlock the Real Maxim Shabanov?

In the summer of 2025, Maxim Shabanov was a coveted international free agent. He had just finished third in KHL scoring with 67 points in 65 games for Traktor Chelyabinsk. He led the Russian league in playoff goals with 10 in 21 games as Traktor advanced to the Gagarin Cup Final. Multiple teams pursued Shabanov, but ultimately the New York Islanders signed him. They believed they were landing a player who could step into a meaningful offensive role in the NHL. Shabanov started his NHL career with three points in his first six games before an injury kept him out…