Maxim Shabanov is a 24-year-old Russian ice hockey forward, born October 7, 2000, in Chelyabinsk, Russia. He formerly played for Traktor Chelyabinsk in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
Although, the parameters of a deal with Shabanov and the Flyers have not been finalized yet. Shabanov will sign with the orange and black, and it’s one heck of a signing for the Center/Winger. This is per a KHL source.
Career Highlights:
- In the 2024-25 KHL season, Shabanov was a standout, scoring 23 goals and 67 points in 65 regular-season games, ranking third in KHL scoring and second in assists (44). He added 10 goals and 20 points in 21 playoff games, though Traktor lost in the Gagarin Cup Final. He was a finalist for the KHL’s MVP award (“The Golden Stick”).
- Known for elite skating, speed, puck-handling, and a quick release, despite being undersized at 5’8” and 157-170 pounds. His agility and hockey IQ make him a dynamic winger
- He was a pending free agent attracting NHL interest from teams like the Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning. It was confirmed by Traktor’s General Manager that he was indeed embarking a new journey in the NHL.
Shabanov’s small stature raises concerns about NHL transition, but his skill set draws comparisons to players like Kirill Kaprizov. The Flyers courtesy him, as they see him as a low-risk, high-reward signing due to entry-level contract eligibility.
Believe it or not, Shabanov played briefly with Flyers’ Egor Zamula on Traktor’s U16 team and shares an agency with Flyers’ prospect Yegor Zavragin. He also skated with Ivan Demidov at the KHL All-Star Game.
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This is the greatest news ! I’m so excited I almost jumped through the roof! Again, thank you Danny & Keith I can’t wait till the draft and then October baby.
Flyers never say die !