NHL News: Top Russian Free Agent Maxim Shabanov Has NOT Signed With Flyers

Contrary to reports that emerged over the weekend, Maxim Shabanov, the most coveted unrestricted free agent outside the NHL, has not made a decision to sign with the Philadelphia Flyers. 

Per Sergey Demidov of rg.org, the Russian forward's agent says, sure, they've talked with the Flyers, but there is no deal. “Just having a conversation doesn’t mean anything yet," said Shabanov's agent, Alexander Chernykh. 

He added that they're waiting for the dust to settle after the NHL Draft and the Free Agent Frenzy of July 1st before making a decision. 

We’re still in the process of talking with teams. Right now, we’re waiting for the Draft, because that’s when trades happen and team situations change. Then the free agency will open. We want to see how the league landscape looks. It’s not a fast process.

Chernykh added that he expects to talk with several teams to find the best fit for his client. A lot will depend on team needs after all of those moves are made. 

Who is Maxim Shabanov? 

Shabanov, 24, recorded 23 goals and 44 assists for 67 points in 65 games this past season for Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL, finishing third in scoring. He was a Finalist for the KHL’s Most Valuable Player Award. 

The 5'8" forward went undrafted in the NHL, undoubtedly due to his size, but he broke out in 2023-24 in Russia, with a 25-goal, 50-point season, and upped the ante this year. According to the Dobber Prospects report, "His shiftiness and agility allow him to slip through checks, and he is a threat both to pass and to shoot."

For now, the Flyers will have to be content being one of the frontrunners for Shabanov, but he and his agent will test the market some more, and figure out which team will be able to give him the best opportunity to play a significant role.