Maxim Tsyplakov is set to make his debut with the New Jersey Devils this evening, bringing his talents from Long Island, just an hour’s journey away from the Prudential Center. His arrival comes after a trade on Tuesday night, where he was acquired in exchange for forward Ondrej Palat.
“It’s so close,” Tsyplakov remarked about the quick trip. “It’s a good opportunity for me. I need to use this opportunity.”
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 203 pounds, Tsyplakov is recognized as a powerful forward with impressive skills. He had an impressive stint with Spartak in the Kontinental Hockey League during the 2023-24 season, scoring 31 goals and accumulating 47 points before making the leap to the NHL. In his debut season with the New York Islanders, he recorded 10 goals and 35 points across 77 games. However, this year has been challenging, as he found himself frequently scratched from the lineup, managing only one goal and two points in 27 games.
“The start of the season was tough for me, sometimes playing, sometimes not,” he reflected. “If you look at last season, I played well. I have more opportunity here to show what I can.”
Tsyplakov will be skating alongside Devils captain Nico Hischier and Arseny Gritsyuk, and the coaching staff is eager to provide him with ample chances to showcase his abilities. “We’re trying to give Tsyplakov a really good opportunity here,” said coach Keefe. “He’s excited for a fresh start.”
Hopeful about his new line, Tsyplakov stated, “I hope we can play (well) together. A lot of guys on the team are super skilled.”
His addition brings a much-needed physical presence to the Devils, particularly below the goal line and in net-front situations. “I need to use my body and my skills around the net, play physical,” Tsyplakov emphasized, reiterating his commitment to helping the team pursue a playoff berth.
Keefe also noted Tsyplakov’s size and potential, highlighting, “He’s a big guy; he immediately comes in as our biggest forward in terms of size. There’s a skill set that goes with that. This season hasn’t gone very well for him, but looking at his results last season, they were very good. We’re trying to tap into that, get some traction, and help him become a player for us.”
As Tsyplakov steps onto the ice, there remains a sense of anticipation surrounding his performance and the positive impact he can have on the team’s success.