What Happened
According to Pro Hockey Rumors, Minnesota Wild winger Max Shabanov is positioning himself for a significant pay raise in the summer. The 26-year-old former KHL star signed a one-year, $1.6MM deal with Minnesota after the New York Islanders non-tendered him following a 2025-26 season in which he scored 18 points in 44 games. He has started 2026-27 with nine points in 13 games and a regular role on the Wild's top power-play unit.
Key Details
- Shabanov, 26, signed a one-year, $1.6MM contract with Minnesota
- He had 18 points in 44 games with the Islanders in 2025-26 before being non-tendered
- He has nine points in 13 games with the Wild this season
- He holds a regular spot on Minnesota's top power-play unit
- He will be an RFA with arbitration rights next summer
- Anaheim's $7.2MM AAV extension for Tristan Luneau was cited as a comparable trend
What It Means
Shabanov's arbitration rights give him leverage if his production holds. A strong full season on a low-cost deal would put Minnesota in a position to negotiate an extension before his value is tested on the open market, a pattern Pro Hockey Rumors notes is becoming more common as the salary cap rises and teams pay early for promising stretches of play.
What's Next
Shabanov's arbitration eligibility next summer means the Wild can either sign him to an extension during the season or let an arbitrator set his salary. His production and power-play usage over the rest of 2026-27 will shape those talks.