The New York Islanders and their Russian forward have finally come to an agreement. Thus, avoiding the need for salary arbitration for the two sides. The 6’3″ Maxim Tsyplakov signs a new contract today to stay with the club for two seasons. This isn’t a huge deal, with an average annual salary of $2.25 million. However, it shows the Isles and general manager Mathieu Darche continue to make the little moves needed to improve their club. Let’s find out more about Tsyplakov and his potential impact with the club.
NYI and Maxim Tsyplakov avoid arbitration
2 x $2.25M
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 25, 2025
Forward Maxim Tsyplakov Signs New Contract With Isles
Tsyplakov played an impressive seven years with Moscow Spartak in the KHL before coming to the Island. His final season in the KHL was 2023-24. Moreover, he had 31 goals that year, and it’s not a big surprise the NHL came calling.
Last year, 2024-25, was his rookie NHL campaign, as a 26-year-old. He didn’t have a great season, still for a first-time NHLer it was decent. Furthermore, he managed ten goals and 25 assists for 35 points through 77 games. He did so in just slightly under 15-minutes-a-game. He put up this offence only playing a supporting role on the power play. Given the number of offensive players on the Islanders, it could be difficult to get regular time on the power play. However, that same thought, despite the guys like Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal, who are mainstays on the top unit, beyond them there is likely some opportunity for promotion.
The Islanders, as we mentioned, have been making lots of changes. Losing Noah Dobson was big, but then they established their allegiance with Alexander Romanov. This move, and like the Maxim Shabanov signing, the Isles appear to be forming an identity. Even if some of their roster isn’t the biggest of names, they are a team near the cap. Furthermore, they’d like to make a push for the playoffs. It will be yet to be seen if they will come together and make the 2026 playoffs.
Main Photo Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
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