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Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Earlier this morning, they traded<\/a> 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).<\/p>\n Minnesota Wild sign new Russian winger<\/p>\n And by lunchtime, the Wild added a 25-year-old<\/a> Russian wing, Max Shabanov, who the New York Islanders decided earlier this offseason not to tender a qualifying offer for.<\/p>\n One team\u2019s trash is another\u2019s treasure, right? That\u2019s what president of hockey operations Bill Guerin is banking on. According to Michael Russo (The Athletic)<\/a>, the Wild see Shabanov as a guy who can play up and down their top-9, on either side of center.<\/p>\n #mnwild<\/a> sign forward Maxim Shabanov to a one-year, $1.6 million deal after he wasn’t tendered a QO by the Isles<\/p>\n \u2014 Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) July 2, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Fast, shifty, skilled former KHL star. Wild see him in top-9 on any wing https:\/\/t.co\/6oeE3qfxks<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) July 2, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Related: MN Wild Running Low on Cap Space and Options<\/a><\/p>\n We\u2019ll see how this bet eventually pays off down the road. But after about 15 minutes of research, I can\u2019t help but love this bet. Especially because this signing is about as low-risk, high-reward as one can get.<\/p>\n How good is Max Shabanov?<\/p>\n Last season, Shabanov\u2019s 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\u2019d 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.<\/p>\n Matthew Schaefer extends his point streak to 5 games with his assist on this Max Shabanov goal!<\/p>\n The Islanders rookies continue to shine, future is bright on Long Island. #Isles<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Vg3XjL8gBM<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Isles Rumor (@IslesRumor) October 18, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n Given Russo\u2019s 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\u2019s a fellow Russian named Kirill Kaprizov who is on the lookout<\/a> for a new wing on his other side\u2026<\/p>\n Related: Red Wings Wanted Absurd Return from Wild for Dylan Larkin<\/a><\/p>\n In his final season<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n How far up the Wild lineup could Shabanov legitimately play?<\/p>\n 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\u2026 even if it\u2019s only for a portion of the season.<\/p>\n And you don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n New #mnwild<\/a> forward Maxim Shabanov has some unreal skill. <\/p>\n The Russian came over last year from the KHL and scored 18 points in 44 games in a limited role with the Islanders.<\/p>\n Not a bad pickup with some upside. Is this the new Zuccarello? pic.twitter.com\/NfKYiWNpTR<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Minny Hockey (@MinnyHockey) July 2, 2026<\/a> More About:Minnesota Wild<\/a><\/p>\n Add MinnesotaSportsFan as a preferred source on Google. \t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMentioned in this article: Max Shabanov<\/a> NHL Free Agency<\/a> <\/p>\n![\"Add](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781239338_32_google_preferred_source_badge.png\"){kind=icon}
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