Maxim Shabanov (born 7 October 2000) is a Russian professional ice hockey player who is a forward for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Playing career As a youth, Shabanov played and developed within hometown club, Traktor Chelyabinsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Emerging as an offensively gifted forward despite his diminutive size, Shabanov made his professional debut with Chelmet Chelyabinsk in the Supreme Hockey League (VHL) in the 2019–20 season before making his KHL debut with Traktor during the 2021–22 season.
Shabanov established himself as a top-line fixture amongst Traktor's forward group and was named to the KHL All-Star Game in 2023 and 2025.
On 2 July 2025, as an undrafted free agent, Shabanov was signed to a one-year, entry-level contract with the New York Islanders for the 2025–26 season. Making the opening night roster in his debut North American season, Shabanov recorded a goal in the NHL debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins on 9 October 2025. Used in a variety of roles in his rookie season, Shabanov featured in 44 games and posted 5 goals and 18 assists for 23 points.
As a pending restricted free agent, Shabanov was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Islanders, ending his tenure with the club. On 2 July 2026, Shabanov was signed to a one-year, $1.6 million deal with the Minnesota Wild for the season.
Career statistics
Regular season and playoffs Regular seasonPlayoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 2017–18 Belye Medvedi MHL 44 10 12 22 14 8 2 2 4 2 2018–19 Belye Medvedi MHL 60 18 28 46 29 3 1 0 1 0 2019–20 Belye Medvedi MHL 23 12 16 28 8 5 1 3 4 0 2019–20 Chelmet Chelyabinsk VHL 38 2 8 10 6 — — — — — 2020–21 Belye Medvedi MHL 17 10 12 22 2 1 0 0 0 2 2020–21 Chelmet Chelyabinsk VHL 33 9 13 22 12 5 0 1 1 2 2021–22 Chelmet Chelyabinsk VHL 35 11 24 35 4 6 3 2 5 0 2021–22 Traktor Chelyabinsk KHL 11 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 2022–23 Traktor Chelyabinsk KHL 67 18 13 31 2 — — — — — 2023–24 Traktor Chelyabinsk KHL 64 25 25 50 4 14 3 8 11 2 2024–25 Traktor Chelyabinsk KHL 65 23 44 67 18 21 10 10 20 2 2025–26 New York Islanders NHL 44 5 13 18 2 — — — — — KHL totals 207 67 83 150 26 36 13 18 31 4 NHL totals 44 5 13 18 2 — — — — —
International Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM 2016 Russia U17 6 0 0 0 0 2017 Russia IH18 4th 5 1 0 1 0 Junior totals 11 1 0 1 0
References
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