MN Wild Sign Russian Cast-Off They Believe is Top-9 Material
The Minnesota Wild have had a much more successful time Thursday, during day two of NHL free agency, than they did yesterday on day one.
Earlier this morning, they traded away bottom-six defender Jake Middleton (plus some day-two draft picks) to Calgary, in exchange for his direct replacement (Olli Maatta) and a regular 15-20 goal centerman (Blake Coleman).
Minnesota Wild sign new Russian winger
And by lunchtime, the Wild added a 25-year-old Russian wing, Max Shabanov, who the New York Islanders decided earlier this offseason not to tender a qualifying offer for.
One team’s trash is another’s treasure, right? That’s what president of hockey operations Bill Guerin is banking on. According to Michael Russo (The Athletic), the Wild see Shabanov as a guy who can play up and down their top-9, on either side of center.
#mnwild sign forward Maxim Shabanov to a one-year, $1.6 million deal after he wasn't tendered a QO by the Isles
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) July 2, 2026
Fast, shifty, skilled former KHL star. Wild see him in top-9 on any wing https://t.co/6oeE3qfxks
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) July 2, 2026
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We’ll see how this bet eventually pays off down the road. But after about 15 minutes of research, I can’t help but love this bet. Especially because this signing is about as low-risk, high-reward as one can get.
How good is Max Shabanov?
Last season, Shabanov’s first in the NHL, he scored 5 goals and added 13 assists (-5 +/-) in 44 games played. But that was playing just 13:41 per game. I’d imagine he is coming here with a promise from Guerin and head coach John Hynes that he will have every chance to play 15+ minutes per night.
Matthew Schaefer extends his point streak to 5 games with his assist on this Max Shabanov goal!
— Isles Rumor (@IslesRumor) October 18, 2025
The Islanders rookies continue to shine, future is bright on Long Island. #Isles pic.twitter.com/Vg3XjL8gBM
Given Russo’s tweet, and the fact that Minnesota entered the day having lost three top-six forwards from last season, the free agency connection makes a ton of sense. Who knows, if he shows well in camp, there’s a fellow Russian named Kirill Kaprizov who is on the lookout for a new wing on his other side…
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In his final season with Chelmet Chelyabinsk (KHL), Shabanov scored 23 goals in 64 games and assisted on 44 more, for a total of 67 points. Over four seasons in the KHL, he totaled 150 points (67 goals, 83 assists) in 207 games played.
How far up the Wild lineup could Shabanov legitimately play?
He might be trying to suppress that thought for the time being, but you know Shabanov has already discussed with his agent what playing on a line with Kirill might do for his career… even if it’s only for a portion of the season.
And you don’t have to look far for highlights of this kid that make you wonder how good he might be, should his new NHL career indeed take a turn for the better in Minnesota.
New #mnwild forward Maxim Shabanov has some unreal skill.
— Minny Hockey (@MinnyHockey) July 2, 2026
The Russian came over last year from the KHL and scored 18 points in 44 games in a limited role with the Islanders.
Not a bad pickup with some upside. Is this the new Zuccarello? pic.twitter.com/NfKYiWNpTR
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