What happened: The Minnesota Wild have signed forward Maxim Shabanov to a one-year contract worth $1.6 million. The deal adds forward depth to Minnesota's roster ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Why it matters: For a modest one-year, $1.6 million commitment, Minnesota gets a low-risk look at a forward arriving from the KHL. The short term and low cap hit give the Wild flexibility to evaluate him without a long-term obligation, fitting a busy offseason of roster tinkering by the front office.

What to watch: Watch where Shabanov slots into Minnesota's forward group during training camp and whether he earns an opening-night role for the 2026-27 season.