Bruins Reportedly Interested in High-Demand Forward Maxim Shabanov
As the Boston Bruins work to strengthen their roster for the 2025-26 season, they are reportedly exploring options overseas.
The Bruins are in discussions with Maxim Shabanov, a forward from the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), according to his agent, Alexander Chernykh, as reported by Vladimir Laevsky.
Shabanov, a Russian forward, is currently in talks with 12 NHL teams, including the Las Vegas Golden Knights, New York Islanders, and Utah Mammoth. As interest grows, Shabanov is prioritizing finding a team that will offer him an immediate spot on the roster.
“There’s only one criterion,” Chernykh said, as translated. “We need to assess the team rosters and figure out where he will have a real opportunity to play, just like other players. He wants to come in and make the NHL, with a clear role on the team.”
At 24 years old, Shabanov posted an impressive 23 goals and 44 assists for 67 points in 65 games with Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL. He finished third in team scoring, trailing only former NHL players Nikita Gusev and Josh Leivo.
Although standing at just 5-foot-8 and weighing 157 pounds, Shabanov is considered undersized but brings an offensive skill set that the Bruins are in need of.
While the Islanders appear to be a frontrunner for Shabanov’s services, other NHL teams remain in the mix.
“The Islanders made a strong impression on him this season,” Chernykh noted. “We will first evaluate the conditions of the team he played for, and then consider everything else.”