New York Rangers land top Russian prospect: Maxim Shabanov makes a crucial decision
Photo credit: NHL.com
Highly sought after Russian prospect has just officially signed a contract in the National Hockey League after being linked to the New York Rangers.
The New York Rangers have a great relationship with their Russian players. Both Artemi Panarin and Igor Shesterkin are two of their superstar players, and coincidentally, some of their best-paid as well.
According to both Kevin Weekes and Peter Baugh of The Athletic, the New York Rangers are in the running, along with the Utah Mammoth, Philadelphia Flyers, and New York Islanders, to sign the forward, Maxim Shabanov, who last played for the Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL.
This past season in 65 games with the Traktor Chelyabinsk, he scored a total of 23 goals and 67 points.
Shabanov is what some may consider "undersized", at only 5'8", and 156 pounds, yet he's lit up the KHL like he owns it this past season.
According to Dobber Prospects:
A small, shifty player who can feather passes through the seams or shoot the puck through small targets. High upside player who carries some risk
Maxim Shabanov signs one-year entry-level deal in New York
According to recent reports Maxim Shabanov has just inked a one-year entry-level deal with the New York Islanders worth 975K AAV.
The Islanders have signed free agent Maxim Shabanov to a one-year entry-level contract ✍️
Shabanov had 67 points in 65 games last season in the KHL
Shabanov had 67 points in 65 games last season in the KHL
Unfortunately GM Chris Drury and the New York Rangers have missed out on Maxim Shabanov, and will now have another strong rival to face in the upcoming season.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 2 | 561 ANSWERS New York Rangers land top Russian prospect: Maxim Shabanov makes a crucial decision Do you think the Maxim Shabanov would've been a good fit for the New York Rangers? | ||
| Yes | 361 | 64.3 % |
| No | 200 | 35.7 % |
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