According to Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Maxim Afinogenov and the Atlanta Thrashers are not close to reaching terms on a new contract. Too bad.
As we mentioned earlier this week, Afinogenov found himself a nice new home in Atlanta breaking the 60 point barrier for the first time in three years and even representing his country during the Olympics. An argument can be made that he compiled a good number of his points while friend and fellow countryman Ilya Kovalchuk played on the team but he still managed 17 points in 27 games without him.
Mad Max may be one of the most talented players in the NHL but he is maddeningly inconsistent. Perhaps if he got another Russian teammate he could mooch off of next season he would carry his fantasy value over, but at this point there are much safer options.
