The New York Islanders have pulled off a massive coup, as they have now officially inked a deal with a top free agent that was drawing interest from several rivals.
Even as late as this week, there has been optimism in both Toronto and Montreal that the teams could sign rising star Maxim Tsyplakov of the KHL, but on Thursday, he officially shocked the hockey world. On social media, the New York Islanders made the official announcement that they have landed the 25-year old.
#Isles News: The New York Islanders announced today that they have signed Maxim Tsyplakov to a one-year, entry-level contract.
The 25-year old has spent the last seven seasons with Moscow Spartak of the KHL, with 2023-24 being his best season, notching an impressive 31 goals and 47 points in 63 games played. We've seen players such as Andrei Kuzmenko make the jump from the KHL at an older age and excel, and after stealing him away from two Eastern Conference rivals, that's exactly what the Islanders will be hoping for.