Max Tsyplakov should see an influx of goals this season with the NY Islanders

There's been no shortage of Russian interest from the NY Islanders over the last two off-seasons, with Director of European Pro/College Free Agent Scouting Jim Paliafito spearheading the effort.

Paliafito, who has been known to attract some of the KHL's top players during his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Islanders, was able to land the top Russian free agent in 2024, Max Tsyplakov, and in 2025, Maxim Shabanov.

Expect more goals from Tsyplakov

Tsyplakov, who will be 27 at the start of his second NHL season, began his rookie campaign with a bang. In the Isles' first game of the 2024-25 season against what was then the Utah Hockey Club, Tsyplakov broke a 3-3 stalemate with 2:07 remaining in the third period. But in typical Iislanders fashion, they'd surrender that lead 15 seconds later, dropping a point in overtime.

After scoring 31 goals in his final season in Russia, good enough for fourth most in the league, Tsyplakov was expected to bring that goal-scoring prowess to the NHL. At 6'3" and with a rocket of a shot, Tsyplakov was thought to have the body and physique to translate to the North American game.

But Tsyplakov struggled at times in his rookie season, seeing himself in the press box at times as a healthy scratch. Scoring only 10 goals in his first NHL season, it was thought that Tsyplakov could become a force on the man-advantage. Playing a similar role to Anders Lee in front of the crease, where he could clean up the garbage on rebound attempts, he managed to score only once on the power play.

But heading into this season, Tsyplakov could see an influx of goals, but he's going to have to prove he can do so to receive the ice time to get the job done. He'll still likely be used on the second power play unit in front of the crease, and should have some more skill around him with the additions made to the roster this year.

The season before his 31-goal outburst in the KHL, Tsyplakov scored just 10 goals. While 30 goals might be out of the realm of possibility, there's no reason the talented Russian can't pot 20-25 goals. He should be starting in the bottom-six to begin the season, but has the ability to work his way into the top-six. And while he isn't scoring, he provides value on the forecheck, unafraid to throw his body around when the time presents itself.

With one NHL season under his belt, Tsyplakov now has experience playing at the highest level and should be able to elevate his game heading into 2025-26.