Latest news with #MaximShabanov
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Flyers Must Replace Maxim Shabanov from Within
Nikita Grebenkin will get one of the first cracks at an NHL roster spot. (Photo: John E. Sokolowski, Imagn Images) The Philadelphia Flyers may have lost out on Maxim Shabanov, but they have plenty of in-house replacements who are just as good, if not better options. Shabanov, 23, is wildly skilled indeed, but he's also a 5-foot-8 forward who can play either center or inverted right wing. Advertisement The problem is that Shabanov wasn't likely to play center for the Flyers, meaning that he would have been pigeonholed into the right winger position. Many skilled Russians play and have played inverted in the past. Names like Alex Ovechkin, Ilya Kovalchuk, Nikita Kucherov, Matvei Michkov, might come to mind. But is Shabanov that? Maybe, maybe not. But he certainly isn't proven, just like the Flyers' top options to replace him in a hypothetical lineup. The Flyers love reigning NCAA champ Alex Bump, for example, and he's got quite the goal-scoring pedigree. It helps that he's a natural left wing to boot. Advertisement Bump, 21, is perhaps the favorite to crack the Flyers' opening night roster, especially in the wake of the offseason injury to Tyson Foerster. Bump's unrelenting will to prove himself while doing things the right way has quickly endeared him to Flyers management and will do the same with fans in short order. Aleksei Kolosov Must Change Attitude Towards NHL, Legendary Coach Says Aleksei Kolosov Must Change Attitude Towards NHL, Legendary Coach Says The Philadelphia Flyers haven't fully given up on Aleksei Kolosov yet, but has Aleksei Kolosov given up on the Flyers? Aside from Bump, another contender for a roster spot will be Nikita Grebenkin, acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Scott Laughton trade. Advertisement The 22-year-old already has seven games of NHL experience and has dabbled in pro hockey since the 2021-22 season despite his relatively young age. Between the KHL, AHL, and NHL, Grebenkin has already played 177 pro games, and that experience should serve him well as he competes with his fellow Flyers prospects. Astute fans might recall that the Flyers actually brought Grebenkin up on an emergency basis once, only to send him back to the AHL 30 minutes later with the emergency conditions no longer present. That's about as close to the NHL as someone can get without stepping on the ice. Plus, the Flyers and Porter Martone himself have told us to never say never on the unusual but very plausible possibility that the teenaged draft pick makes the NHL come opening night. Advertisement And, if worst comes to worst - and fans will hate this - the Flyers will decide these prospects are best suited playing significant minutes in the AHL or elsewhere to start the season, they have some capable veterans at their disposal, too. Rodrigo Abols is capable of flexing out to the flank if needed, and last year's preseason darling, Anthony Richard, is still under contract for one more year. It's possible the oft-injured Samu Tuomaala, who has played two full seasons with the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms, makes a case for an opportunity with his speed and heavy shot. The Flyers will be disappointed not to have landed Shabanov, to be sure, but they have no reason to dwell on it or pivot to a Plan B. This year should be about believing in and developing the guys they already have.


New York Post
02-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Islanders sign KHL star Maxim Shabanov in latest free agency swing
The Islanders weren't quite done in free agency. They made another addition on Wednesday, signing Russian winger Maxim Shabanov to a one-year, entry-level deal. The contract comes with a $975,000 cap hit, according to a source. Maxim Shabanov (49) seen in action during the Kontinental Hockey League, regular season KHL 2023 – 2024 between SKA Saint Petersburg and Traktor Chelyabinsk at the Ice Sports Palace. SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett The Post first reported the Islanders' interest in Shabanov, who played last season in the KHL, back in October. It's the second year in a row the Islanders have gotten the highest-rated European free agent after signing Max Tsyplakov a year ago. On the ice from Long Island Sign up for Inside the Islanders by Ethan Sears, a weekly Sports+ exclusive. Thank you Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Check out more newsletters The Flyers, Rangers and Utah were reportedly amongst the other teams considered. Shabanov, who scored 23 goals and had 44 assists with Traktor Chelyabinsk last season, is 24 years old. He measures in at 5-foot-8 and 157 pounds.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Flyers Target Maxim Shabanov Takes Important Step in NHL Journey
Image On Sunday, the Philadelphia Flyers received an important update regarding top KHL free agent Maxim Shabanov and his journey to the NHL. Shabanov, 24, has officially chosen Quartexx Hockey as his North American representation, which will now allow him to negotiate and sign with the Flyers or other NHL teams come July 1. Advertisement Notably, Quartexx serves as the representation for Flyers players such as Nick Deslauriers, Oliver Bonk, Elliot Desnoyers, Anthony Richard, Jacob Gaucher, and Ben Gleason, as well as former Flyers Victor Mete and Morgan Frost. Quartexx also represents New York Islanders forward Maxim Tsyplakov; the Islanders are one of the teams interested in Shabanov according to their shared agent, Alex Chernykh. For GM Danny Briere and the Flyers, the next step will be successfully pitching Shabanov and Quartexx on a role conducive to success at the NHL level. "There is only one criterion. We just need to look at the team rosters and understand where he will really have his place, as it happened with other players. So that he comes there and plays in the NHL, so that he has time and a place in the roster," Chernykh said in a previous interview. "For us, the player's place in the NHL plays a role. We are now thinking more about the player, not the club." Advertisement Note that, at his age, Shabanov is only permitted to sign a one-year, entry-level contract with the Flyers or other NHL teams. His upcoming contract negation will center purely on his role and fit with the Flyers and not salary and term.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Golden Knights Reportedly In Two-Team Race For KHL Star Forward
Photo credit: Chelyabinsk Traktor Hockey Club With the team pressed to the salary cap, Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon continues to find unique ways to add skilled forwards to his lineup and could be doing so again with KHL star Maxim Shabanov. Advertisement According to a report by Marco D'Amico of RG Media, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Golden Knights are in a "two-horse race" to sign KHL star forward Shabanov. The 24-year-old forward was dominant with Traktor Chelyabinsk, scoring 23 goals and 67 points in 65 games, ranking third in points among all players in the KHL. Although he's considered undersized, listed at just 5'8, 157 lbs, it hasn't affected his ability to create offence, displaying his skill set during the playoffs, recording 10 goals and 20 points in 21 games, losing in the Gagarin Cup finals. 'Maybe I'll think about it, maybe not. I've said before that all my thoughts were focused on having a successful season with Traktor. I don't read what people write about me or listen to what they say,' Shabanov commented before the final. Advertisement Across four seasons in the KHL, Shabanov registered 67 goals and 150 points in 207 games. With Russian forwards Ivan Barbashev and Pavel Dorofeyev on the Golden Knights roster, they could be a factor in swaying Shabanov to sign with the Golden Knights. Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.


Time of India
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL Rumor: Penguins and Golden Knights battle to sign KHL sensation Maxim Shabanov
NHL Rumor: Penguins and Golden Knights battle to sign KHL sensation Maxim Shabanov (Image Source: Getty Images) The Pittsburgh Penguins could be welcoming a thrilling new name on their roster very soon. The Penguins and Vegas Golden Knights are engaged in a "two-horse race" for the signature of dynamic Russian forward Maxim Shabanov from the KHL, as per a report by Marco D'Amico of RG Media. Maxim Shabanov, only 24 years old, is fresh off a coming-out party in the KHL with Chelyabinsk Traktor. He was third in league scoring with 23 goals and 67 points in 65 contests, and his performances caught the eyes of several NHL teams. Maxim Shabanov is small in height but big in skills Standing at 5-foot-8 and weighing 158 pounds, Shabanov is not a physical presence on the ice. But he compensates with sheer ability. His smooth stickhandling, top-level puck control, and playmaking sense make Shabanov the kind of offensive magician who can turn a game around. In his four seasons with Traktor, he's accumulated 67 goals and 150 points in 207 games which indicate he's been a consistent performer in one of the world's premier leagues outside of the NHL. The Penguins are undergoing a pivotal transition. With stars like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin nearing or in their twilight years, the Pittsburgh front office knows it's time to plan for the future, while still trying to compete today. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo General manager Kyle Dubas has already demonstrated a desire to go outside North America for players. Inking Shabanov would be an extension of that theme, adding a high-ceiling player without having to give up assets. If he signs, Shabanov might be able to fit into a middle-six position immediately, and with some development, become a goto playmaker down the line. Also Read: Tree 'His Actions Have To Match His Ambitions': Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas Criticizes Erik Karlsson Vegas Golden Knights are also in mix Although Pittsburgh is the frontrunner, the Vegas Golden Knights are also vying very hard to bring Shabanov in. With a history of making aggressive roster additions and having a deep team culture, Vegas could entice Shabanov with their recent success and speed-based style of play. Both teams present interesting situations, and the choice may ultimately depend on fit, role, and comfort level of the Russian superstar. As Shabanov considers his options, Penguins fans will be watching closely hoping the next great playmaker in black and gold is just around the corner. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.