The Post first reported the Islanders’ interest in Shabanov, who played last season in the KHL, back in October. It’s the second year in a row the Islanders have gotten the highest-rated European free agent after signing Max Tsyplakov a year ago. The Flyers, Rangers and Utah were reportedly amongst the other teams considered.

Maxim Shabanov, a 24-year-old Russian forward, is gaining attention following his signing with the New York Islanders. The former Traktor Chelyabinsk player is making the leap from the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) to the National Hockey League (NHL),