Boston Bruins eye KHL standout as they search for affordable offense

Bruins are among a dozen NHL teams interested in KHL standout Maxim Shabanov, who’s prioritizing immediate NHL ice time.

The Boston Bruins may be turning to Europe for answers.

As the organization looks for cost-effective ways to boost its offense ahead of the 2025–26 season, reports from Russia indicate that the Bruins are among 12 NHL teams showing interest in forward Maxim Shabanov.

Shabanov, 24, is coming off a strong campaign with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL, where he scored 23 goals and added 44 assists for 67 points in 65 games—good for third in league scoring. Only former NHLers Nikita Gusev and Josh Leivo finished ahead of him.

What makes Shabanov’s case even more intriguing is his mindset. According to his agent, Alexander Chernykh, the forward isn’t chasing the biggest deal—he’s looking for a team that will give him a real shot to play.

There is only one criterion, we just need to look at the team rosters and understand where he will really have his place, as it happened with other players. So that he comes there and plays in the NHL, so that he has time and a place in the roster.

Chernykh said.

Despite his size, Shabanov plays a big game

At just 5-foot-8 and 157 pounds, Shabanov doesn’t fit the Bruins’ traditional mold of physical, two-way forwards. But what he lacks in size, he makes up for in creativity, anticipation, and offensive vision.

He’s slippery with the puck, plays with tempo, and isn’t afraid to challenge defenders one-on-one.

For Boston, a player like Shabanov could offer a spark in the middle six, especially if the team parts ways with Jake DeBrusk or swings and misses on a trade target.

The Islanders lead, but the Bruins still have a shot

While the Bruins are in the running, early indications point to the New York Islanders as the current favorite to land Shabanov. His agent acknowledged the impression the Isles made during talks this past season.

The Islanders left a good impression on him this season, so in any case, we will first consider the conditions of the team he played for, and then everything else.

Chernykh said.

Still, with at least a dozen teams in contact, including the Vegas Golden Knights and Utah Mammoth, Shabanov’s next destination remains undecided.

For Boston to be a serious contender, they’ll need to assure him of a real opportunity, not a two-way deal.

A low-risk move that could pay off big

Shabanov wouldn’t cost Boston any assets in a trade. He’s young, productive, and seems hungry to prove himself. At a time when cap space is shrinking and free-agent prices are expected to spike, adding upside without overpaying is exactly what the Bruins need.

Of course, jumping from the KHL to the NHL is never a sure thing. But if Shabanov can carve out a role, he could end up being one of the offseason’s quiet steals.