Remember when the Vegas Golden Knights were in the running for Maxim Shabanov? The Russian forward scored 23 goals and 44 assists (65 games) for Traktor Chelyabinsk this season. He was lighting up the KHL like a Fourth of July firework and was heading his way to the NHL.
Certainly, Kelly McCrimmon would nab another Pavel Dorofeyev and have the league shivering in their skates, right? Surely, the winger group would become one of the most lethal in the NHL, blasting past the Misfit groups of old like a bad Taco Bell run, right?
Well...
You see, the Philadelphia Flyers reportedly beat the Golden Knights to the punch. According to Russian columnist Igor Eronko of Sports-Express, Shabanov is nearing a deal with the Flyers. They've also been heavily involved in acquiring the services of the 24-year-old winger alongside the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The good news? Nothing's official... yet.
What could've been with Maxim Shabanov and the Golden Knights
When you're in the market for one of the finalists for the KHL's Most Valuable Player Award, you do whatever you can to nab that player. That's especially true when that player's production increases in the span of three years. Add in 10 goals and 10 assists this postseason and it's like you've exploded in a fit of ecstasy.
Yes, there might be some issues with Shabanov, particularly with his size. Being 5'8" and weighing a measly 157 pounds means you're getting pushed around... a lot. Therefore, you must rely on your speed and puck-handling abilities to carry you through a game.
However, having another Pavel Dorofeyev in your system would've made for a matchup nightmare for opponents. Don't forget what happened this past season. The Russian winger led the Golden Knights in goals scored (35). Sadly, fans won't likely get to see another Russian blaze past opposing defenders at T-Mobile Arena anytime soon.
It's a shame because this was a prospect fans were high on. Considering the prospect depth, specifically at the forward position, is lacking, having Shabanov on board would've been awesome. It would've made McCrimmon into the NHL equivalent of Thanos, making Vegas inevitable. Oh, well. Let's move to the Marner sweepstakes.