KHL star rejects NHL offer and remains in Russia despite saying he wanted to come to North America

A star of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) has decided to continue his career in Russia despite saying he wanted to come to North America for the 2021-22 season. Maxim Shalunov is a former draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2011 (104th overall). While the team no longer owns his rights (he's now 28), Shalunov's agent told Russian media outlets his client only wanted to play for the Blackhawks, even though he received an offer from "a very strong team that consistently makes the playoffs."

By staying in Russia, Shalunov becomes the third highest paid player in the league. The new three-year deal with Lokomotiv pays him 90 million rubles per season ($1.23 million USD).

Even Russian media seems to be skeptical about Shalunov's reasons for staying in the KHL. His agent would not name the other team that supposedly made him an offer, and there are questions over why he would only play for Chicago as he has no real connection to the team other than being drafted by them 10 years ago. At 28, Chicago no longer owns his rights has hasn't for some time. It's also been noted by his agent that the Blackhawks told him to seek a deal with another NHL team, which Shalunov did, only to apparently reject it. His new contract does have an NHL out clause should he decide he wants to use it.

In 52 games last season with CSKA Moscow, Shalunov recorded 18 goals and 17 assists. He added 12 goals and six assists in 18 playoff games.

Source: Sport24.ru

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