The Chicago Blackhawks could be going back to the KHL well again next offseason. GM Stan Bowman said recently that the Blackhawks hope to sign forward Maxim Shalunov, their 2011 fourth-round pick, when the opportunity arises next offseason, according to The Athletic’s Scott Powers.
Shalunov, 23, has emerged as one of the best players in the KHL as a member of Sibir Novosibirsk this season. He’s taken an unusual development path since being drafted by the Blackhawks in the fourth round (No. 109 overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft, but now it’s looking like the selection could finally pay off for Chicago.