With Training Camp in full-swing, Dylan Burhans takes a look at KHL-phenom and New York’s newest Islander, Maxim Tsyplakov, to see where he fits in the lineup.
How did Tsyplakov get here?
In May, the New York Islanders signed top European free agent Maxim Tsyplakov to a one-year, $950,000 contract. The Russian winger was coveted by a dozen NHL teams and chose to bring his talents from the KHL to Long Island.
Tsyplakov is arguably the Islanders’ biggest wildcard heading into the season. Last season was a breakout year—he put up 31 goals and 47 points in 65 games for Spartak Moskva. His second highest goal-total is 10, which he scored in the 2022-2023 season. This should not be cause for alarm, though. Tsyplakov has the potential to succeed in the NHL. More on that later.
Tsyplakov will be looking to build upon his career season in his first year in North America. Using the NHLe calculator on Frozen Tools, Tsyplakov’s 47 points roughly equate to 48 points over an 82 game NHL schedule.
Tsyplakov has three goals so far during this latest drill.
— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) September 15, 2024
All three went bar down. #Isles
Maxim Tsyplakov is already making an impression in camp
Will Tsyplakov’s game translate?
Inter-league comparisons are not an exact science. Many different players from overseas have gone on to supersede expectations or struggle to adapt to the NHL.
Despite this uncertainty, he has all the tools to be an asset for the blue and orange. He has size (6’3, 190 lbs.), physicality, and scoring potential — all sorely needed by the Isles. While many scouts note that he lacks NHL-caliber speed, skating ability can be taught to the 25-year-old power forward. Scoring talent, however, is more difficult.
While many fans worry about the possibility of another failed experiment (such as Jan Kovar, Anatoli Golyshev, Dmytro Timashov, and Nikita Soshnikov), Tsyplakov is his own player with his own skillset. It takes talent to put up 30+ goals in the KHL, and Tsyplakov has shown he is capable of producing at that level.
“His skills could translate to top-six talent, and he should be given the opportunity to showcase that.”
Off to a good start
Tsyplakov also seemed to impress during Rookie Camp, his first taste of North American hockey. According to Stefen Rosner, Tsyplakov has been using his frame to protect the puck, while also using his size and strength to play physically and throw big hits. This physicality will help Tsyplakov become a formidable net-front presence, as he has also worked on deflecting pucks at camp. His skill set does not end there–he also has elite stickhandling abilities and can shoot the puck.
It is important to keep in mind, though—Tsyplakov has been skating against younger prospects. The real challenge starts today as the NHLers returned for training camp. Based on his showing at Rookie Camp, however, he should be able to seamlessly fit in with the big club and prove he can be an asset to the team.
Where does Tsyplakov fit in the lineup?
Tsyplakov was not brought over from Russia to play a bottom-six role or to start the year in Bridgeport. Given Tsyplakov’s abilities, forcing him into a fourth-line grind role would not be ideal, to say the least. His skills could translate to top-six talent, and he should be given the opportunity to showcase that.
With the emergence of a new third line of Anders Lee, J.G. Pageau, and Pierre Engvall, which was one of the Islanders’ better trios in the playoffs, an open spot is available on the second line. Watch out for Head Coach Patrick Roy to give Tsyplakov an early look next to Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri during training camp.
Overall, Maxim Tsyplakov has the makings to be a great offensive piece for the Islanders. He is not afraid to use his size and strength to battle for the puck, and he is already showing off elite offensive abilities at Rookie Camp. Do not be surprised to see him put up a solid campaign in his first season wearing the blue and orange.
(Stats and information courtesy of Elite Prospects, MoneyPuck.com, the Hockey News, and PuckPedia)
Catch the latest episode of HNiNY as the boys spoke to Brian Compton of nhl.com about the summer & training camp
Hockey Night in New York returns to cover the New York Islanders all season long with hosts Sean Cuthbert and Stefen Rosner live from Floored Media in Rockville Centre Sundays at 8PM ET! Regular episodes being Sunday October 6th!