NY Islanders forward Max Tsyplakov files for arbitration, so what happens next?

As the 5 pm deadline for players to file for arbitration passed today, NY Islanders forward Max Tsyplakov is the only member of the organization to file.

So what exactly does it mean when a player files for arbitartion?

Tsyplakov files for arbitration

In short, it means Tsyplakov and his agent, Alexander Chernykh of Winners Hockey Agency, and the Islanders could not agree on a new salary for the 26-year-old, and have elected for an independent arbitrator to hear both sides and decide which side presents a stronger case.

Organizations and players typically avoid heading to arbitration, as the team essentially presents a case against the player they're hoping to sign. The Islanders would need to put on a case about why they believe Tsyplakov deserves less money than he is asking for - something someone doesn't necessarily want to hear from their employer.

But just because Tsyplakov has filed for arbitration, it doesn't mean the hearing is set in stone. The two sides can still hammer out a deal on their own, and agents commonly use arbitration as a negotiating tactic.

Tsyplakov, last season's top European free-agent, signed a one-year entry-level contract with the Islanders in the summer of 2024. Coming to Long Island after a 31-goal season in the KHL, Tysplakov scored in the Islanders' first game of the season against the Utah Hockey Club.

Though his numbers didn't match his final season in Russia, Tsyplakov still finished the 2024-25 season with 35 points (10 G, 25 A) in 77 games.