Maxim Shabanov Set to Prove Preseason Value Alongside Kirill Kaprizov

Maxim Shabanov is set to make his regular-season debut for the Minnesota Wild, earning an opportunity to play alongside Kirill Kaprizov after a strong training camp and preseason. Wild teammate Yakov Trenin sees a little bit of Kucherov in Shabanov, who expressed excitement about playing with Kaprizov and helping the team contend for a Stanley Cup. Head coach John Hynes noted Shabanov's continuous improvement throughout camp as he prepares for his first meaningful test against Nashville.