Kirill Maximov

June 2022 – It has been two seasons since Maksimov returned to Russia and last season he played with Jukurit of the Liiga. In 26 games with Jukurit, the young Russian recorded four goals and four assists. Yes, Edmonton retains his rights but realistically will he ever come back to play for them? Knowing their history probably not. Is Maksimov even projecting to look like an NHL-quality player? Not overly but time will tell. Jameson Ewasiuk

October 2020 – Maximov is the perfect example of why people should not over hype prospects just because of their stats in junior leagues. Expectations and projections met reality in the young Russian’s first pro season. The right-winger struggled to make a consistent impact offensively as he produced just five goals and 13 points in 53 games. These numbers are definitely disappointing for an offense-first goalscorer. Now with all that being said, At 21-years-old, Maximov is far too young to write off and in fairness to him, most of the Bakersfield Condors’ players struggled last year. In August, the Russian forward was loaned to CSKA Moskva of the KHL where he is pointless in two games. He has also suited up in three games for Zvezda Moskva of the VHL where he has two goals and four points in three games. Maksimov will look to use his time in Russia this season as a stepping stone to a better sophomore season in the AHL. Jameson Ewasiuk

January 2020 – Coming into his rookie AHL season, there was a solid amount of hype surrounding Maksimov and his ability to be a pure finisher. So far, the young Russian has struggled to make a consistent impact offensively and appears to be at least a couple of seasons away from realistically challenging for a spot in the NHL. As a rookie, Maksimov has recorded 11 points in 39 games and has seen time in Bakersfield’s top six. After a solid December in which the young forward recorded a respectable five points in nine games, his one point in 12 games so far in January is disappointing, to say the least. With Yamamoto being in the NHL at the moment, the Russian has been given more offensive opportunities and will hopefully start producing more consistently. It is important to note that Maksimov is still only 20-years-old and a rookie pro so Edmonton can afford to be patient with him. Jameson Ewasiuk

September 2019 – After not playing in any of Edmonton’s first three preseason games, the Oilers opted to assign Maksimov to the Condors of the AHL. The young Russian has had a couple of injuries in the past year including an arm injury as well as a torn PCL at the end of last season and lingering injuries are apparently one of the reasons he did not suit up in any preseason games. The goal-scoring winger will look to bring his finishing abilities to the pro level and could potentially be a top-six winger for the Condors if everything goes right for him this season. Jameson Ewasiuk

March 2019 – It has been another solid and productive season for Maximov. Last season he recorded 80 points in 62 games and this year he has 79 points (17th in the league) in 62 games. He has season his goal total go up from 34 to 40 as well as his penalty minutes increase from 72 to 118. His 40 goals place him 11th in the league. We know he can score goals but his overall game and compete level has improved this season. He has been more physical and more willing to help out defensively than in the past. The Oilers lack true goal-scorers, and with Maximov turning pro next season, hopefully he can bring his finishing ability to the AHL. Jameson Ewasiuk

December 2018 – A bit of a surprise omission from the Russian’s World Junior camp invite list, Maksimov is currently having a very strong season with the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL. In 26 games the young Russian is tied for 10th in goals with 20 and tied for 18th in points with 37. His 1.42 points per game currently place him 14th in the OHL. There’s no question that Maksimov knows how to put the puck in the back of the net but there are some questions on whether or not the rest of his game can translate to the pro level next season. His size and pure goal-scoring abilities make him an intriguing prospect for a team like the Oilers who severely lack a pure finisher in their top six. In the not so far future he will likely be given a chance to play with one of Edmonton’s playmakers and if he can find chemistry with one of them, then Maksimov could a very smart fantasy pickup. Jameson Ewasiuk

January 2018 – After being drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers, Maksimov returned to the Niagra IceDogs of the OHL where he is currently having a strong campaign. Maksimov served his second suspension of the season after returning on January 19^th after sitting for four games for a check to the head. He currently sits 30^th in OHL points with 43 in 36 games and is tied for sixth in goals scored with 25. Consistent production has been the name of the game for the young Russian as he hasn’t been held pointless or goalless for more than two games in a row and that has only happened twice this season. Not only does Maksimov have a dangerous shot but he is also a volume shooter and has averaged just under 4 shots per game this season. He has solid size and he uses his body effectively along the boards and to shield the puck when maneuvering around defenders. Like many young, offensive-minded forwards, Maksimov needs to become more consistent on the back check as well as in the defensive zone. With the Oilers current lack of quality top-six wingers and their lack of pure shooters, Maksimov will likely be given every opportunity to seize a top-nine role in the future. Things are looking bright for the young goal scorer but expectations must be tempered as he was a mid-late round pick and the Edmonton Oilers rarely develop late-round picks into quality NHL players. Consider this player a project at the moment. Jameson Ewasiuk