CRUCIAL DECISION: Should New York Islanders EXTEND Max Shabanov despite underwhelming NHL debut?

The New York Islanders face a franchise-defining decision: does rookie Max Shabanov deserve a new contract after an underwhelming yet intriguing debut NHL season? Gil Martin evaluates Shabanov’s adjustment from the KHL, his power play flashes, and whether his smaller stature can withstand the NHL grind. With Islanders fans split on his future and questions swirling about roster space, is it too early to write Shabanov off or could he blossom in the final stretch?

Gil Martin also spotlights Bridgeport’s prospect pool, assessing players like Isaiah George, Matthew Maggio, and Henrik Tikkanen for NHL potential while clarifying which AHL standouts are true building blocks versus stopgaps. Olympic updates see Bo Horvat advancing and Ondrej Palat eliminated in overtime. Plus, a throwback to Wayne McBean as Islanders birthday of the day. Is a new era on the horizon for the Islanders?

All this and more on today's Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.

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