FBI director Kash Patel drops 4-word reaction to Islanders' Maxim Shabanov's highlight reel

FBI Director Kash Patel had a simple reaction to Russian Phenom Maxim Shabanov’s highlight reel. On Wednesday, Shabanov signed one-year, entry-level contract with New York Islanders.

Patel, who grew up playing hockey as a kid in Garden City, New York, replied to a fan post welcoming Shabanov to Long Island on X, saying:

“Dangles… let’s go Islanders.”

Expand Tweet

The 5-foot-8, 157 pounds Russian was pursued heavily by multiple teams and the Philadelphia Flyers looked like the favorites. Maxim Shabanov is a 24-year-old forward from Chelyabinsk, Russia. Shabanov spent the last four seasons with Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL. There, he scored 150 points in 207 regular-season games.

Last season, he had 67 points in 65 games, setting career highs in points and assists. He also had a plus-minus rating of 17, showing his two-way play. He can help the Islanders as a top-six forward, who have also drafted Matthew Schaefer first overall this year.

Previously, Patel was also seen at an NHL game with Wayne Gretzky, watching Alex Ovechkin score a record-breaking goal against the New York Islanders.

Kash Patel's announcement about the NHL's participation in the 2026 Olympics

NHL players will return to the 2026 Olympics. This will be the first time NHL players have competed in the Olympics in more than 10 years, having previously done so in 2014. They missed in 2018 and 2022 due to financial constraints and COVID-19 concerns.

FBI Director Kash Patel shared the news on X. He wrote:

"NHL agreed to let the boys play in the next Olympics this coming winter- first time in over a decade … Team USA, I’ll see you there 🇺🇸🏒"

Expand Tweet

Patel's post got many reactions from hockey fans.

“Team USA’s back on Olympic ice. Let’s bring home gold and pride,” one fan wrote.

Expand Tweet

“Game on, world,” another fan said.

"Can’t you put pressure to get Russia playing, it sucks seeing the hockey team be punished for their government’s actions. Good hockey is good hockey," a fan wrote.

The 2026 Olympics will be held in Italy. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the NHL is happy to return to the 2026 Olympics. He spoke from Zurich, where the agreement was signed.

"There were a bunch of issues ... and we ultimately got those done," Daly said, via NHL.com. "We're thrilled."

Daly also confirmed the 2026 Olympics will use NHL-sized ice.

About the author

Ankit is an NHL journalist at Sportskeeda with over 3 years of experience in the writing industry. He has expertise in sports, product, and travel content writing. His interest in ice hockey was piqued after watching Sidney Crosby play and he has been passionately following the game since then. Ankit admires Crosby’s personality and hockey IQ, and when he crossed the 1,500 points tally, Ankit was among the biggest fans to celebrate the occasion.

An Edmonton Oilers fan because of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Ankit also admires the Pittsburgh Penguins due to Crosby and the Colorado Avalanche for Nathan MacKinnon. He is also a fan of Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr.

Holding a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Language, Ankit believes his education has helped him develop a knack for presenting information in a precise and compelling manner. He only sources information from credible avenues and trusted people from his network for his articles.

When he is not watching or writing about the NHL, Ankit loves listening to music and reading books.

Know More

Wayne Gretzky’s wife Janet responds to critics questioning his loyalty to Canada, Bobby Orr's support following 4 Nations drama

Edited by Krutik Jain