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.

Just when it looked like the New York Islanders were closing out a quiet offseason, general manager (GM) Mathieu Darche made a big signing. The deal wasn’t big in terms of the money spent or even the length of the contract,

Maxim Shabanov, a sought-after KHL free agent, is joining the New York Islanders. The team announced Wednesday it has signed Shabanov to a one-year, entry-level contract.