It's become hard to ignore NY Islanders' Maxim Tsyplakov's sophomore slump

It has been noticeable for the majority of Islanders fans this season that something has been off with second-year forward Maxim Tsyplakov. He kicked off his NHL career last year after coming over from Russia with a solid season, posting 10 goals and 25 assists in 77 games. But so far this year, Tsyplakov has struggled mightily to become a mainstay in the Isles lineup.

Tsyplakov's numbers this season are alarming.

The 27-year-old Russian, who earned himself a two-year, $4.5 million extension after his rookie campaign, has only one goal and zero assists through 25 games this season. He is also a -10 rating, making it hard for head coach Patrick Roy to slot him back into the lineup after most games.

His time on ice per game has dropped significantly as well. In 2024-25, he averaged 14:58 per game, while in 2025-26, he has only averaged 9:39 per game. On the current Isles road trip, Tsyplakov has only come in for two games, against Minnesota and, most recently, Vancouver. In the game against the Wild, Tsyplakov only played 8:42. While in Vancouver on Monday night, Tsyplakov played only 6:43, only taking two shifts in the second period and failing to see the ice in the third period at all.

Roy takes some responsibility for this as he spoke to the media following the contest. "I think it is (a confidence thing). You know, it's on me," Roy said. "He didn't play a bad game, he hasn't played a lot. Sometimes, when that happens, you just want to go with the best guys that you think get you the best chance to win. He's probably going to be back against Seattle, and hopefully I can use him more." Tsyplakov will be in the lineup on Wednesday night as the Islanders wrap up their long road trip with a game against the Seattle Kraken. 

Tsyplakov was excited to draw back into the lineup against Vancouver. "This is a good opportunity for me," he said before the game, "To bring me a chance to show the coach I can play and that it is my spot.” Unfortunately, as we know, he didn't play the best game, finishing with a jarring -2 in only 6:43 min played.

As we head into tonight's game in Seattle, Tsyplakov has moved lines and will now be playing alongside fellow Russian Maxim Shabanov and Casey Cizikas. Roy spoke about the following morning skate. "We wanted to put (Shabanov) back in the lineup." Roy said, "We want to give a shot at (Tsyplakov) and him playing with (Cizikas). (Cizikas) is playing so well and he's bringing so much energy. I feel like that could be a good fit for the three of them."

"We all want him to be successful," Roy added, "I hope tonight will give him a little excitement playing with (Shabanov), and I know they love to play together, so I'm excited to try it, to be honest. I feel it's a good opportunity for him....Hopefully, he'll take advantage of the opportunity tonight."

Hopefully, Tsyplakov will, as no one wants to see him struggle, especially after his successful rookie season. If he limits the mistakes both on and off the puck, while keeping his game simple, as he did last year, success will once again come for Tsyplakov.

"It's tough being on the bench," Tsyplakov said, "But it's life." He added with a smile.