Maxim Shabanov’s breakout could create a difficult contract decision for the Wild

The Minnesota Wild have plenty of reasons to be optimistic right now. The Wild have started the season with a 12-3-4 record entering Tuesday’s game at the Montreal Canadiens. Their 28 points are the second most in the Western Conference behind the Edmonton Oilers (29) and they haven’t lost in regulation since a 2-1 loss to the Calgary Flames on Oct. 22.

For a team that has begun its season mostly on the road, this is a good omen for their chances at contending for a Stanley Cup. But several players have made it happen, including forward Maxim Shabanov.2

Shabanov has been tremendous after signing a one-year, $1.6 million contract last offseason. His eight goals rank second on the team behind…