As the team with the largest fanbase in the NHL, the Toronto Maple Leafs constantly have rumors surrounding every facet of their organization.
Almost nobody within the Toronto Maple Leafs organization can escape the spotlight, even depth forwards are heavily scrutinized more so than many other places in the NHL.
For some, it’s off-putting but for others, they flourish in the media circus that is Toronto.
This week, the rumor mill has been particularly active with rumors on extensions, trades, and potential free agent targets. The first, is that the Leafs are reported to have interest in a free agent from the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
Toronto Maple Leafs rumour roundup from this past week
Leafs interested in top KHL free agent
Maxim Shabanov is a diminutive forward who has been tearing up Russia’s top mens league, the KHL for the last couple seasons. At 24 years old, he is at the prime age for free agents who come over to North America. The Leafs are reportedly amongst multiple teams to have shown interest in the star winger.
Last season he caught many people’s attention by scoring 25 goals and 50 points in 64 games for Traktor Chelyabinsk.
He has some good speed and a high skill level which can draw eyes but he has also shown the ability to pull off slick moves in game action. He is 5-8 and 157 lbs which could prove difficult when translating his game to North American ice.