Maxim Tsyplakov gets first run in top 6 role at NY Islanders camp

For the better part of a decade, the NY Islanders have been searching for a scoring winger in their top six. This off-season, the Islanders signed Anthony Duclair as a free agent and brought in Maxim Tsyplakov as a free agent out of the KHL, entering his first foray into the NHL. The hope was that one or both of these players would stick as a top-six winger.

All signs point towards Duclair starting the season on the top line with Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat. Tsyplakov hasn't had a chance to play with either of the top two lines yet, but today, after the first round of cuts, Tsyplakov skated alongside Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri.

After an impressive start in his first three preseason games, it appears he'll have the opportunity to skate alongside some of the Islanders most skilled players.

A potential top-six winger

"He's got size, he's skating well, he moves the puck well, makes plays, defends pretty well," Patrick Roy said today at training camp. "That's why we took our time with him. We didn't rush him into any role."

It looks like Tsyplakov will be battling with Simon Holmstrom for that role as winger on the second line, as Holmstrom recently played with Nelson and Palmieri.

Aside from battling for a top-six role, Tsyplakov could have a role on the power play. At 6'3" along with his ability around the net, he's been a net-front presence on the man advantage in preseason and could continue that role on opening night.

On a one-year entry-level contract, Tsyplakov could become a top-six bargain that most teams don't have.