Maxim Shabanov has spent the past eight seasons playing in Russia for Traktor Chelyabinsk. The 24-year-old left-shot winger is coming off his best campaign yet, notching 23 goals and 44 assists in 67 games. Though undersized at 5-foot-8 and 157 pounds, Shabanov plays with a gritty edge. His small frame might make NHL teams hesitant, but his offensive game continues to evolve.
At least a dozen NHL teams have expressed interest in Shabanov’s potential move from the KHL, with the Boston Bruins reportedly among them. Boston is looking for offensive reinforcements, especially as free agent options dwindle. The team has also been linked to former NHL forward Max Comtois and recently signed defenseman Victor Soderstrom after acquiring him in a trade with Arizona.
Shabanov’s speed and skill make him a potential fit as a middle-six forward in the NHL—provided he can handle the league’s physical demands. While the Bruins have recently added more size to their roster, their current lineup already includes smaller players like Matt Poitras and Fabian Lysell. A short-term deal with Shabanov could be a low-risk move with upside.
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