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Watch: Blackhawks’ prospect Maxim Shalunov scores in 2017 KHL All-Star Game

The Russian forward helps lead the Chernyshev Division All-Stars to a 3-2 win.

By Brandon M. Cain

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Chicago Blackhawks prospect Maxim Shalunov scored a goal and an assist for Team Chernyshev Division in a 3-2 win over the Tarasov Division in the 2017 KHL All-Star Game final Sunday.

Shalunov, 23, tallied Chernyshev’s first goal and had the primary assist on Andrei Altybarmakyan’s game-winning goal.

Shalunov, 23, has 17 goals and 32 points in 37 games this season for Sibir Novosibirsk. He’s tied for 13th in the league with 0.86 points per game. The Hawks have retained his NHL rights the past three seasons after drafting him in the fourth round in 2011.

Shumi Babaev, Shaulnov’s agent, told The Athletic’s Scott Powers that his client is open to talking with the Hawks about signing with Chicago. But the 6-foot-3 forward and Babaev want to see top-6 role in Chicago’s lineup.

“Where does he play in Chicago? The third line?” Babaev said. “I think just maybe not so the right time to come back because like I don’t think there’s too much space in Chicago to play for the next season. He needs to play. He will be in the bench or they send him to the AHL.

“It’s like any case, we’re open. We just need to talk. We just need to figure out what’s the best place.”

Shalunov may not be the only Russian player getting attention from the Blackhawks in the summer, either. Russian outlet Championat recently reported Chicago could be interested in 23-year-old forward Vladimir Tkachyov from AK Bars, so that could be another potential target as Bowman looks to continue digging through the KHL for new talent.