Maxim Tsyplakov’s Struggles Put Islanders in a Tough Spot - But There’s Still a Path Forward
When the Islanders signed Maxim Tsyplakov in the 2024 offseason, they weren’t just taking a flier on a KHL standout - they were betting on a 6-foot-3 winger with a scoring touch and a two-way game that looked like it could translate to the NHL. And for a while, it did.
His rookie campaign wasn’t eye-popping, but it was solid: 10 goals, 35 points in 77 games. That’s the kind of production you can work with, especially from a first-year player adjusting to the North American game.
But this season? It’s been a different story entirely.
Through 27 games, Tsyplakov has just one goal to his name. One.
He did chip in a slick assist on Jean-Gabriel Pageau’s second goal against the Flyers on Monday night - a reminder that the skill is still there - but those moments have been few and far between. For a player who was expected to build on a promising rookie year, this stretch has been nothing short of frustrating.
And it’s not for lack of opportunity. Head coach Patrick Roy has tried plugging Tsyplakov into different spots in the lineup, searching for a spark.
But nothing’s clicked. Some nights he’s been scratched.
Other nights, he’s barely seen the ice - like the January 19 game against Vancouver, where he logged just 6:43 of ice time. That’s not the kind of usage you want from a player carrying a $2.25 million cap hit.
And that’s where the real issue lies. It’s not just about the lack of production - it’s about the roster spot and the contract.
Tsyplakov’s deal runs through next season, and at this point, he’s occupying a spot that could go to a younger player or someone with more upside right now. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a team trying to stay competitive in a tight Eastern Conference race.
So, what are the options?
A trade is the obvious first thought. Maybe there’s a rebuilding team out there willing to give Tsyplakov a fresh start - a low-pressure environment where he can play bigger minutes and rediscover his game.
But let’s be real: that’s a long shot. Given his current production and cap hit, the market isn’t exactly going to be knocking down the Islanders’ door.
Best-case scenario? Maybe a late-round pick, and even that might be generous.
That brings us to a more realistic - and potentially more productive - route: a stint in the AHL.
Sending Tsyplakov down to Bridgeport might be the kind of reset he needs. We’ve seen it before - players go through slumps, get some reps in the minors, and come back sharper, more confident, and more in sync.
It’s not a punishment. It’s a chance to breathe, recalibrate, and get back to the fundamentals that made him successful last year.
The timing could actually work in the Islanders’ favor. With the Olympic break around the corner, there’s a window to make this move without disrupting the NHL roster too much. Get Tsyplakov into some meaningful minutes in Bridgeport, let him find his rhythm again, and reassess after the break.
Of course, there’s a catch. He’d have to clear waivers first.
That always carries some risk - another team could swoop in and claim him. But given his production and contract, it’s unlikely.
Still, it’s something the front office would have to weigh carefully, especially with the February 4 roster freeze looming.
At the end of the day, the worst thing the Islanders can do is nothing. Letting Tsyplakov sit in the press box or skate fourth-line shifts with no real opportunity to contribute doesn’t help anyone. He’s got too much skill to just fade into the background.
There’s still a player in there. The Isles just need to find a way to bring him back out - whether that’s in Bridgeport, through a trade, or by finding the right role in the NHL lineup. But standing still isn’t the answer.
Tsyplakov’s story with the Islanders isn’t over yet. But if they want a better ending, they’ll need to turn the page - and soon.