NY Islanders sign Maxim Tsyplakov to two-year, $4.5M deal ahead of arbitration

The New York Islanders have avoided arbitration with winger Maxim Tsyplakov by signing him to a two-year contract worth $2.25 million annually. The deal, totaling $4.5 million, was finalized just days before his scheduled arbitration hearing on July 29. Tsyplakov was the final restricted free agent left unsigned by General Manager Mathieu Darche, capping off a busy and calculated offseason.

Tsyplakov, 26, joined the Islanders in May 2024 after spending seven seasons with Spartak Moscow in the KHL. He made a solid transition to the NHL, recording 10 goals and 25 assists for 35 points in 77 games during his rookie campaign. A physical presence at 6’3”, he ranked among the team leaders in hits, giving the Islanders a reliable and rugged option in the middle six.

While his season had some inconsistencies—including stretches of limited production and a few games in the press box—Tsyplakov showcased enough two-way play and offensive flashes to earn another look. His new deal gives him some security and shows that the organization believes he can continue to grow into a valuable contributor.

Darche has now completed contract negotiations with all pending RFAs, including Alexander Romanov, Simon Holmstrom, Marc Gatcomb, and Emil Heineman. Tsyplakov’s contract falls in line with the team’s measured approach to cap management, especially when compared to Holmstrom’s two-year, $3.6 million deal earlier this summer.

Tsyplakov is now under contract through the 2026–27 season, at which point he will be eligible for unrestricted free agency. The two-year term provides him a runway to prove he can be a consistent NHL performer while giving the Islanders roster stability as they transition to a younger core.

With the forward group taking shape, the focus now shifts to training camp, where Tsyplakov will look to solidify his role in what could be a competitive battle for lineup spots.