Maxim Shabanov

June 2025 – Shabanov is easily the most coveted free agent outside the NHL after finishing third in scoring in the KHL, second in the playoffs, and second for both combined with 87 points in 86 games. A smaller player (5-8) who was never drafted, he caught the NHL’s attention in 2023-24 when he broke out at 23, picking up 50 points in 64 contests. His shiftiness and agility allow him to slip through checks, and he is a threat both to pass and to shoot. He will either continue to do that at the NHL level and thrive, like a lesser Artemi Panarin, or he will be just a half-step shy of getting away with it, like a Nikita Gusev. Regardless, his upside is just above a point-per-game, and that makes him as valuable in fantasy hockey as any top prospect. And just as much of a risk. At any rate, the wait time on Shabanov is zero (which, in itself, is quite valuable), and you will have your answer as to fantasy value soon enough. He should be treated like you would treat a top three pick in the 2025 draft: similar upside (though not quite as high), higher risk of being a bust, but a lot less wait time. Dobber