Maxim Tsyplakov has been a pleasant surprise for the New York Islanders

The New York Islanders have had a tough 2024-25 season full of injuries and other ups and downs. One player that has been a bright spot is Maxim Tsyplakov. The rookie that never took their rookie lap has been a solid middle six forward for the blue and orange. 

The winger in 51 games has nine goals and 18 assists for 25 points so far this season. He also has a +9 rating which puts him with the fifth highest rating on the team. He is also one of the more physical forwards on the team with 108 which is tied for second on the team. 

The Islanders signed Tsyplakov back in May at the beginning of the offseason. There were a lot of teams interested in the Russian forward but he ended up choosing Long Island. The question was would he be with the team immediately or would he be going down to Bridgeport? 

Well, Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello shut that idea down immediately. “He’s going to be given every opportunity. We did not sign him for Bridgeport.” Lamoriello said at the 2024 NHL Draft. It seemed that it was destined for him to fill in next to Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. 

He has been a solid fit so far and has been in talks with Lamoriello about an extension. The talks have been rumored to be around $3 million on a bridge deal. 

The issue with Tsyplakov’s game was his defense and taking unnecessary penalties. He is the leader in penalty minutes with 33.  As the season has gone on Tsyplakov has improved on his defense but he has 59 giveaways and 17 takeaways.  

Overall he has been a bright spot during a rocky season 

The offensive abilities to be a second or third line forward are definitely there. He is a rookie and is tied for fourth (as this is being written) in the Calder race. I don’t know if he is a long term piece for the blue and orange but he definitely deserves another contract. He is currently on a one-year deal for $950,000. 

When Tsyplakov signed he was a complete unknown. That unknown has turned into a key piece for the squad and filling in a position of need. As he adjusts to the NHL ice he will adjust to the NHL game and those giveaways as well as penalty minutes will lessen. He will have a solid NHL career. 

Grade B+