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.

Everydayer Club 
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Indeed
Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcastright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals.Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.