By: Ryan Finch | Follow me on Twitter/X @RyanFinch0815
“Awesome. The crowd gave us a little extra every night,” said Maine Mariners forward Max Andreev.
Andreev spoke enthusiastically about the support he received from Mariners fans throughout the season and playoffs, describing the atmosphere at Cross Insurance Arena as one of the highlights of his year in Maine.
“The first playoff game against Adirondack, when we won in overtime, I thought the roof was going to come off,” Andreev said. “The fans were unbelievable.”
The 27-year-old center and left winger proved to be a crucial addition to the Mariners roster during the 2025-26 season. After spending two successful years with the Kansas City Mavericks, Andreev arrived in Maine, bringing not only offensive production but also veteran leadership to a roster filled with younger players.
Born in Moscow, Russia, Andreev grew up in a family where hockey was a way of life. “I grew up in a bit of a hockey family,” Andreev said. “My mother’s brother, my uncle, played several years in the NHL, so there really wasn’t much of a choice. I’ve been on skates for as long as I can remember.”
His upbringing placed him in the heart of one of Russia’s most respected hockey environments. “Where I grew up was right next to the CSKA Moscow rink, which is one of the nation’s best and known worldwide,” Andreev said. That early exposure to the game helped shape the player who would eventually pursue a professional career spanning multiple leagues and countries before finding a home with the Maine Mariners.
After developing his game in Russia and North American junior hockey, Andreev continued his hockey journey at Cornell University, where he played from 2018 to 2023. Following his collegiate career, he joined the Kansas City Mavericks and spent two productive seasons with the club before arriving in Maine for the 2025-26 season.
When asked what led him to sign with the Mariners, Andreev pointed to one person in particular. “Coach Kowalsky,” Andreev said. “I heard a lot of great things about him, and honestly was looking for a change. When Coach Kowalsky called, I knew it was a great fit.” That decision quickly paid off, as Andreev became a key contributor both on the ice and in the locker room during his first season in Portland.
Reflecting on the 2025-26 campaign, Andreev said several moments stood out. “There’s a few of them,” he said. “The first playoff game against Adirondack was pretty cool. The game where we were losing 5-0, but managed to come back in the third period. It sucked that I had to leave with a face injury, but overall the game was awesome.”
Another memorable experience came during the Mariners’ trip to Florida late in the season. “The Florida trip,” Andreev added. “I would have loved to have played them in the finals, but we just came up one game short.”
Like many players, Andreev also enjoyed the unique theme nights and specialty jerseys that have become a staple of the Mariners experience. Having worn each of Maine’s alternate uniforms during the season, he had little hesitation when asked which one was his favorite. “The Pirates jersey for sure,” Andreev said. “I would love to see them make that the third alternate going forward.”
He also enjoyed the organization’s Minor League Sports Night celebration. “I really enjoyed the Minor League Sports Night, especially the Hearts of Pine jersey,” Andreev said. “We got to wear three jerseys that night. That was pretty awesome.”
While Andreev’s offensive production was a major reason for his success in Maine, he spoke just as passionately about the culture inside the Mariners locker room. When asked who had the biggest impact on the team’s leadership group, Andreev immediately pointed to captain William Deveaux. “Of course it’s the captain, William Deveaux,” Andreev said. “By far the best captain I’ve ever played with.”
He was quick to acknowledge several other teammates who helped shape the team’s culture throughout the season. “Jacob Hudson is a huge part of it. So is Brooklyn Kalmikov. He’s a little quieter, but he’s my best buddy,” Andreev said. “Luke Cavallin brought in all of his experience and leadership after winning it all last season, which was a huge help. There’s also Zachary Massicotte and Shawn Element in there as well.”
Although Andreev enjoyed his first season in the North Division, he admitted the level of competition surprised him. “I was surprised how hard the division was,” he said. “Defensively, from top to bottom, maybe not Greensboro or Norfolk, but the rest of the division is very well structured. The defensive play is close to the AHL.”
That competitive environment helped prepare the Mariners for what became the deepest playoff run in franchise history. When asked how players prepare for the intensity of postseason hockey, Andreev emphasized that the process begins long before the playoffs arrive.
“You have a whole season to prepare,” he said. “You play 72 games to get in the mindset and enter playoff mode. For me, I’ve been here before, but for some of the other guys it was their first time.”
Recognizing his experience, Andreev embraced a larger leadership role during the postseason. “I told myself I needed to be a leader, and that’s what I went out there and did,” he said. “Unfortunately, we came up just one game short of our goal.”
Away from the rink, Andreev found plenty to enjoy about life in Portland. “I love that there are four sports teams in town. I can just swing over and see a game,” he said. “Sometimes people will see me on the street and say some really positive things, which is really nice.”
Like many players who spend a season in Maine, Andreev also developed a few favorite dining spots. “I’ll give you three,” he said with a laugh. “Evo Kitchen + Bar for Mediterranean food, Via Vecchia for Italian, and Street & Co. for seafood.”
Andreev’s first season with the Mariners could hardly have gone better. The veteran forward recorded 19 goals and 43 assists during the regular season before adding six goals and eight assists during the playoffs, helping lead Maine to its longest postseason run in franchise history.
As for whether Mariners fans will see him back in Portland next season, Andreev made his feelings clear. “I sure hope so,” he said. “I want to be. A lot can happen, but I hope I’m back.”
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