The New York Islanders signed highly coveted Russian free agent, Maxim Tsyplakov, prior to free agency this offseason. As a result, the signing has gone under the radar, with many fans believing the addition of Anthony Duclair to be the only significant roster move general manager Lou Lamoriello has made. While Duclair has an established NHL resume, Tsyplakov’s unique skillet is bound to bode well on Long Island.
Tsyplakov’s Strengths
Tsyplakov is a 6-foot-3, left-handed winger who scored 31 goals and 47 points in 65 games for Spartak Moskva of the Kontinental Hockey League last season. He spent the majority of the season on the right wing, playing next to former Vancouver Canuck, Nikolay Goldobin. However, Tsyplakov is a natural left winger and should be expected to spend more time on the left side than the right this season.
Tsyplakov’s best asset is how he utilizes his body. He plays an eerily similar game to Brock Nelson. Both are tall, left-handed forwards who score scrappy goals with quick touches from around the net. They are both average skaters in terms of speed but move very well in the neutral zone. They tend to shoot from the slot, typically going up high on goaltenders.
Tsyplakov has a very strong wrist shot, both in release quickness and speed. When he is playing well, the puck is a magnet to the back of the net. Even with his “hot streaks,” he rarely goes cold, meaning his consistency is bound to stabilize a historically inconsistent Islanders’ offense.
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One interesting factor in Tsyplakov’s game is his personality. When he scores at home, he loves to celebrate and cheer with the crowd. On the road, he is not afraid to smile, laugh, or jeer at fans. This personality is something the Islanders desperately lack, so it will be a breath of fresh air for the typically emotionless team.
Tsyplakov’s Fit
Tsyplakov’s fit on the Islanders this season is incredibly difficult to gauge. Given Nelson had a very strong run on the first line with Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat last season, Tsyplakov would make a lot of sense to join the line as a scoring threat. However, the idea of head coach Patrick Roy playing a rookie who has yet to touch North American ice on the first line to begin the season is unfathomable.
As well, playing Tsyplakov alongside Nelson on the second line seems like a waste of an asset….
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