The NY Islanders and Ruslan Iskhakov never quite found the right fit. After being selected in the second round of the 2018 draft, Iskhakov made his NHL debut in the Islanders’ final regular-season game against the Pittsburgh Penguins and played in one playoff game against the Carolina Hurricanes.
With no clear role in the team’s future plans, the Moscow native decided to return to Russia this season, joining CSKA Moscow in his hometown.
Iskhakov quickly showcased his talents in the KHL, scoring an impressive goal in CSKA’s second game of the season. After receiving a pass at the blue line, he executed a toe-drag move on one defender and slipped the puck between the goaltender’s legs while diving through the air, giving CSKA a boost.
CSKA won the game 6-2 against Admiral, with Islanders 2024 draftee Dmitry Gamzin earning the win as the goalie.
Iskhakov has been positioned at center for CSKA, playing alongside former NHL player Denis Gurianov, who briefly played for the Philadelphia Flyers last season.
Although Iskhakov has moved to Moscow, the Islanders still hold his rights for three more seasons until he turns 27. There is always the possibility he could return to Long Island, but given the lack of a clear path to a regular spot in the lineup, it’s understandable that the 24-year-old chose to seek playing time in one of the world’s top leagues.
CSKA has accumulated two points from their first two games and will aim for another win when they face Sibir tomorrow.
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