The New York Islanders have avoided arbitration with winger Maxim Tsyplakov by signing him to a two-year contract worth $2.25 million annually. The deal, totaling $4.5 million, was finalized just days before his scheduled arbitration hearing on July 29. Tsyplakov was the final restricted free agent left unsigned by General Manager Mathieu Darche, capping off a busy and calculated offseason.
Tsyplakov, 26, joined the Islanders in May 2024 after spending seven seasons with Spartak Moscow in the KHL. He made a solid transition to the NHL, recording 10 goals and 25 assists for 35 points in 77 games during his rookie campaign.