Islanders get it right with Tsyplakov signing

The New York Islanders got it right by agreeing to terms with RFA Maxim Tsyplakov on Friday. The two-year, $4.5 million contract, as reported by PuckPedia, gives the Islanders and Tsyplakov enough time to figure things out.

Last season, Tsyplakov was expected to step into a potential top-six role with the Isles. However, he spent the year up and down the lineup, suiting up on the fourth line at times. Others, he stepped up into the top six and didn’t look out of place.

All told, Tsyplakov scored 10 goals and totaled 35 points in 77 games. That’s not bad for a rookie season in the NHL.

Tsyplakov was coming off a 31-goal season in the KHL in 2023-24. Of course, there’s a significant difference between the NHL and the KHL. While that’s not to say the KHL is bad, strong numbers in the KHL don’t always translate to success in the NHL.

Nevertheless, Tsyplakov seemed to fit in well in Long Island. He’s the type of hard worker that Patrick Roy likes, and isn’t afraid to go to the net. He should have a similar role this upcoming season, especially as the lineup spots get more competitive in the top six.

Fans shouldn’t be surprised to see Tsyplakov make this $2.5 million cap hit look like a steal this season. With one full year of NHL experience, the 26-year-old Russian winger could have a breakout season. There’s no reason why he couldn’t hit 20 goals and break past the 40-point plateau.

Islanders and Tsyplakov buy time with new contract

Tsypklakov’s new contract allows the Islanders to buy time. Specifically, the contract gives the New York Islanders a chance to see if Tsyplakov can truly master the NHL game. If so, Tsyplakov’s next contract could be a hefty one. He could be in line for a hefty raise as a UFA.

But that’s part of the calculated risk both sides had to take.

Additionally, Tsyplakov’s deal avoids arbitration. In my estimation, this negotiation was never going to head into arbitration. Tysplakov’s filing was a strategic move to avoid a potential offer sheet.

As implausible as it might sound, there might have been other teams out there willing to extend Maxim Tsyplakov an offer sheet. While it wouldn’t have been a substantial one, such a situation could have put the Islanders in a bind.

That will no longer be the case now that Tsyplakov has signed his new contract. All that remains is for Tsyplakov and the Islanders to focus on the season ahead. The club will be looking to get back into the Eastern Conference playoff race, with Maxim Tsyplakov hopefully becoming a major part of that effort.