The Maxim Shabanov hype is growing as the Flyers and other teams anxiously await the prized KHL free agent's final decision.

On Sunday, it was announced that Shabanov, 24, officially signed to Quartexx Hockey, an important step in embarking on his NHL career.

A lack of North American representation was an existing roadblock in Shabanov's path, but now that it's been resolved, the undrafted forward is one step closer to the Flyers... if he so chooses.