It appears Maxim Shabanov will head to the NHL, and the Flyers have been linked to sign him

Maxim Shabanov is a coveted KHL free agent. According to Anthony SanFilippo from OnPattison, the Flyers are finalists for Shabanov’s services.

Remember that rumor a few months ago about the Flyers interest in KHL free agent-to-be Maxim Shabanov that was shot down by his agency?
Well, maybe it wasn’t such a bad rumor after all.
My story at @OnPattison:https://t.co/fKpLIlQ98z#LetsGoFlyers

— Anthony SanFilippo (@AntSanPhilly) May 22, 2025

The only question that remains was if he wants to come to the NHL, or stay in the KHL. Traktor General Manager Alexey Volkov provided some clarity on Maxim Shabanov today, from championat.com:

“The situation with Shabanov is still unclear, but everyone understands where he is heading. He will most likely make it to the NHL next season,” Volkov said.

https://www.championat.com/hockey/news-6023110-volkov-po-shabanovu-situaciya-neyasnaya-navernyaka-on-doedet-do-nhl-na-sleduyuschij-sezon.html

Shabanov, born October 7, 2000, in Chelyabinsk, Russia, is a 24-year-old professional hockey player currently playing as a Forward for Traktor Chelyabinsk in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Standing at 5’8” and weighing approximately 157 lbs, Shabanov is an undersized but highly skilled Center/Winger known for his elite skating, speed, puck-handling, and highlight-reel plays, including a notable lacrosse-style “Michigan” goal. In the 2024-25 KHL season, he has recorded 19 goals and 34 assists for 53 points in 57 games, ranking him among the league’s top scorers. Over the past two seasons, he has consistently produced near point-per-game numbers, with 43 goals and 94 points in 111 games.

An undrafted free agent in Shabanov, has attracted NHL interest from teams like the New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, the Flyers, Vegas Golden Knights, and the Utah Hockey Club, though his agency, Winners Hockey Agency, has denied rumors of contact with the Flyers.

His contract with Traktor extends until May 31, 2025, after which he is expected to consider a move to the NHL for the 2025-26 season. Despite his small stature, his talent, work ethic, and high hockey IQ draw comparisons to successful smaller NHL forwards like Connor Bedard and Brayden Point.

Will he becomes a Flyer? Who knows, but the Flyers are actively trying to sign him.

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