Tsyplakov contract situation an early indicator of how NY Islanders GM does business

Let’s get this out of the way first: New York Islanders winger Max Tsyplakov isn’t going anywhere.

The Russian winger filed for arbitration earlier this month, and as Isles fans, we’re now watching the calendar, not the cap sheet. Tsyplakov’s arbitration filing isn’t exactly front-page news — and that’s the point. Arbitration rarely makes headlines because, frankly, it rarely happens. Of the 14 players who filed last summer, only one, Nashville’s Spencer Stastney, made it to a hearing. Still, as Isles fans, we’d be wise to keep an eye on how this plays out, because it says a lot about how new General Manager Mathieu Darche plans to run the show.

Tsyplakov had a solid rookie campaign. Thirty-five points, some strong shifts on the second and third lines, and flashes of the high-end skill he showed in the KHL. He also had cold spells, struggled to finish, and never fully locked into a consistent role. That’s all part of being a first-year NHLer. But now comes the hard part — figuring out what that production is worth.

Evolving Hockey projects him at two years with a $2.48 million AAV. Tsyplakov’s agent in Russia suggested $3 million back in February, though the player himself quickly walked that back. Still, with Simon Holmstrom — who scored double the goals and is two years younger — landing $3.6 million per year, the market is what it is.

The Islanders aren’t in a cap crunch, so this isn’t about money. It’s about principle. Darche has already shown a willingness to walk away from tough negotiations, and this case, while minor by comparison, could quietly set the tone for future deals. Tsyplakov will likely sign soon and when he does, we’ll learn something about this front office, and then learn something about the player this season.