Barbashev inks deal with Goatheads

RIO RANCHO, N.M. - The New Mexico Goatheads, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Colorado Avalanche and American Hockey League’s Colorado Eagles, announced that the team has signed forward Maksim Barbashev to a contract for the 2026-27 season.

Barbashev joins New Mexico after splitting the 2025-26 season between the Utah Grizzlies and Allen Americans, recording 21 points (9g-12a) in 50 games. He also appeared in three games with the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners he played under Goatheads Head Coach Zack Stortini.

The 22-year-old set professional career highs in goals, assists and points during the 2025-26 regular season before adding two points (1g-1a) in nine Kelly Cup Playoff games with Allen.

Barbashev spent the 2024-25 season between the Hartford Wolf Pack and Bloomington Bison, appearing in six AHL games and recording two points (1g-1a) with Hartford. He has appeared in 10 career AHL games between Hartford and Tucson.

Barbashev is the younger brother of NHL forward Ivan Barbashev, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the St. Louis Blues and Vegas Golden Knights.