Ruslan Iskhakov, a former second-round pick of the New York Islanders, intends to return to North America after next season. Speaking with Match TV, the 25-year-old confirmed that once his current contract in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) expires after the 2025–26 season, he plans to make another push toward the NHL.
Iskhakov was drafted 43rd overall by the Islanders in 2018 and spent time developing in Europe and North America before making his NHL debut on Long Island during the 2023–24 season, playing and picking up an assist in the regular season finale and getting minutes in Game 4 against the Carolina Hurricanes.