The New Mexico Goatheads have added another young forward to their inaugural roster, signing Maksim Barbashev to an ECHL contract for the 2026-27 season.
Barbashev is coming off the most productive season of his professional career, recording 21 points (9 goals, 12 assists) in 50 ECHL games between the Utah Grizzlies and Allen Americans in 2025-26. He added two points (1 goal, 1 assist) in nine Kelly Cup Playoff games with Allen.
“Maksim is a talented young forward who combines size, skill, and a strong competitive edge,” said Head Coach Zack Stortini. “He plays a direct, hard game, attacks the difficult areas of the ice, and has the ability to create offense around the net. Maksim will be a driving force for our team, and his style of play fits the identity we’re building here in New Mexico.”
Barbashev also appeared in three games with the Tucson Roadrunners of the American Hockey League (AHL), the primary developmental league below the NHL, during the 2025-26 season. His time in Tucson reunited him with Stortini, who served as an assistant coach with the Roadrunners.
The 22-year-old enters his third full professional season. In 2024-25, he split time between the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack and the ECHL's Bloomington Bison, recording two points (1 goal, 1 assist) in six games with Hartford.
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.
Barbashev becomes the latest addition to the Goatheads' inaugural roster as New Mexico continues building toward its first season in franchise history.
The Goatheads open the 2026-27 regular season on Friday, Oct. 16, against the Idaho Steelheads at the Rio Rancho Events Center.
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