Before anyone calls this clickbait or anything like that go back and read previous Flyers news i’ve posted. I don’t post these things without properly vetting sources(The Tocchet hiring, and the Foerster extension). So don’t come at me with that bullshit.
Now, on to the information at hand…KHL star Maxim Shabanov is expected to sign a one year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers come July 1st if not sooner.
Shabanov is a 24 year old forward who played for the Traktor Chelybinsk in the KHL. He finished third in the KHL in scoring with 23 goals, 44 assist for 67 points and a +/- of 17. He also added 10 goals and 10 assist in the Playoffs.
At 5’8 and 157lbs Shabanov plays mainly right wing, but also has experience at center as well. Known for his great puckhandling and speed Shabanov could be the jolt this Flyers offense needs.
Speed and skill on the Flyers offense?!?! For sure not something that we have seen a lot of recently. Adding Shabanov lets say to a line with Michkov or Owen Tippett could make the Flyers offense electrifying. The Flyers need players like Shabanov to bring more excitement to this team. We saw the things that Michkov was able to to and also things he would try, Shabanov also brings that kind of skill set.
So how can I be so sure that the Flyers are his likely destination?
First and foremost the Flyers as per usual are very hush hush on the rumors about this signing just like they were with Michkov coming over and Fedotov. It’s very like Danny Briere and Keith Jones to keep this under wraps until it can be made official.
The report from Hockey News Hub who mainly covers the KHL, is that they have a source who they trust that confirms Shabanov to the Flyers. Why we should trust that? Well, they were the first one to report on Michkov coming over and have been spot on with a lot of other reports.
It has also been brought to my attention that three of the Flyers Russian players have recently followed Shabanov on instagram. Coincidence? Nothing is a coincidence in todays world.
I have also checked in with some other sources as well that are fairly confident this is indeed going to happen. This would be a huge addition for the Flyers and get their offseason started on the right foot.
Shabanov also just signed with Quartexx Hockey to represent him as he searches for his NHL home. Who he signed with isn’t significant but it was the first step in getting him an NHL contract.
Also, with the NHL draft coming up this Friday and Saturday knowing that Shabanov is coming we could see that effect the Flyers approach. I don’t think it will alter things too much as Center is still their main priority but maybe they really don’t look at wingers until some of their later picks now.
The offseason is here and the rumors are only going to ramp up as we head into draft weekend. Don’t believe everything you see or hear but i’m 99% certain that Shabanov will be signed by the Flyers and if he doesn’t I will gladly take all the heat.
-Walsh
The Philly Phan Cave 
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