Each off-season, anticipation builds over potential European standouts making the move to the NHL. 

In recent years, we've seen players like Maxim Tsyplakov, Andrei Kuzmenko, Ilya Mikheyev, and Nikita Gusev sign with NHL clubs and have various levels of impact. No European signing has had the impact Artemi Panarin has had, scoring 302 goals and 870 points in 752 games since signing with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2015.

The NHL has also seen players head in the opposite direction, leaving the NHL to pursue a career in Europe. The most common case for those players is that they were struggling to maintain a job in the NHL and were looking for a change of scenery in hopes of rejuvenating their careers. 

This off-season has witnessed several players make the long-awaited jump to North America, but three players stand out and could have the greatest impacts on their teams.

Maxim Shabanov, New York Islanders

Shabanov was the most sought-after European free agent of the off-season, garnering interest from several teams. The 24-year-old took his time before making his decision, ultimately joining Tsyplakov on the New York Islanders.

Listed at just 5-foot-8, 156 pounds, Shabanov is on the smaller side of NHL players, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for it in skill. Shabanov recorded 23 goals and 67 points in 65 KHL games last season, serving as the driving force of Chelyabinsk, which lost in the Gagarin Cup finals. 

Shabanov is almost certainly a lock to make the Islanders' opening night lineup, and he could very well compete for a spot in the top six. The Islanders' forward group, especially on the wing, doesn't blow you away with skilled players, which gives Shabanov some runway to push for a larger role.  

Vitali Kravtsov, Vancouver Canucks

Kravtsov and Shabanov were teammates on Chelyabinsk, finishing first and second in points. Kravtsov led the team in goals, scoring 27, while pouring in 58 points in 66 games. The 25-year-old is a former ninth overall pick of the New York Rangers, but his first stint away from home was disappointing.

Plenty of hype had surrounded Kravtsov before he signed his entry-level contract with the Rangers, and the expectations proved to be too high. He wasn't interested in playing in the AHL, which resulted in loans back to the KHL when he couldn't maintain a spot in the NHL. After four seasons, the Rangers dealt him to the Canucks, where he'll be making his return.

His first stint in the NHL witnessed him notch six goals and 12 points in 64 games. Now, a bit older, more mature and carrying more confidence, Kravtsov will have the opportunity to fight for a roster spot out of training camp and play on a roster filled with talented players. 

David Tomasek, Edmonton Oilers

Tomasek, a Czech-born right-handed shooter, dominated the Swedish league last season, scoring 24 goals and 57 points in 47 games. He led the SHL in assists and points, and the year prior led the league in goals. The 29-year-old is a journeyman, previously playing in Finland, Czechia and the OHL during his junior hockey career. 

Tomasek was never drafted into the NHL, but his balance as an offensive threat could be a tool the Oilers utilize. At the moment, Tomasek is likely on the outside looking in when thinking of projections for the Oilers roster, despite signing $1.2 million contract. 

Tomasek becomes a UFA following the conclusion of the contract, which means the Oilers, at some point during the 2025-26 season, will give him an extended look on the roster. His 6-foot-2 and 190-pound frame should allow him to play anywhere in the lineup. The tricky part for coach Kris Knoblauch is finding where he is best suited. 

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