Shabanov Leads Wild Hot Start With Eight Goals
The second-year winger has eight goals and 13 points in 18 games as Minnesota holds first place in the Central Division.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Hockey
Maxim Shabanov has scored 8 goals and 13 points in 18 games for the Minnesota Wild after signing a one-year, $1.6 million deal. The Wild lead the Central Division despite a 4-3 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning in which Shabanov scored twice.
Why it matters
Shabanov's strong start gives the Wild a productive young winger on a short-term contract. As a restricted free agent after this season, his performance will shape Minnesota's planning for next offseason.
Shabanov's 8 goals in 18 games with Minnesota outpace his 5 goals in 44 games with the Islanders last season. The stub does not indicate whether this production will hold through the rest of the season.
The players
Maxim Shabanov
A Russian winger in his second NHL season who has emerged as a scoring contributor for the Minnesota Wild.
Minnesota Wild
An NHL franchise based in Minnesota that currently leads the Central Division.
The details
Shabanov, a second-year winger from Russia, made his NHL debut last season with the Islanders before becoming a free agent and signing with Minnesota. In the Wild's 4-3 overtime loss to Tampa Bay, he scored two goals.
Timeline
Last season: Shabanov made his NHL debut with the New York Islanders.
This season: Shabanov has recorded 8 goals and 13 points in 18 games for the Wild.
This season: The Wild lost 4-3 in overtime to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
After this season: Shabanov becomes a restricted free agent.
Next offseason: The Wild can match offers in free agency.
Season Trajectory
Shabanov's contract status as a restricted free agent after this season places him within NHL restricted free agency rules that let teams match outside offers. His production could influence how Minnesota approaches its roster and salary planning as the Wild compete for the Central Division title.
Shabanov's scoring gives Minnesota depth at winger during a tight Central Division race. His restricted free agent status means fantasy managers and Wild followers will need to track whether he signs an extension or moves on next offseason.
The takeaway
Young players on short-term deals can shift a team's outlook quickly, and Shabanov's next contract will show how much Minnesota values his early production.
What happens next
Shabanov becomes a restricted free agent after this season, and the Wild can match outside offers in the next free agency period.
Further reading
For more on the Wild's roster and season, explore Hockey coverage across Minnesota.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
