On Tuesday, the New Jersey Devils traded Ondrej Palat to the New York Islanders, along with a third-round 2026 draft selection and a sixth-round 2027 pick. In exchange, they received Maxim Tsyplakov, a right wing known for his physicality and net-front presence.
The newest Devil made his debut in red on Thursday night against the Nashville Predators, where the team picked up a much-needed overtime victory at home. After a promising debut, fans are curious as to what he can bring to the team’s secondary scoring. Without further ado, here are a few ways that Tsyplakov can make an impact as a depth forward.
Breaking Down the Trade
At first glance, the Tsyplakov trade had a very specific purpose: to free up enough cap space to improve the Devils’ roster before the trade deadline. General manager Tom Fitzgerald made sure that New Jersey came out on top, with $3.75 million now at the team’s disposal. Shedding Palat’s $6 million average annual value (AAV) was the main priority, especially considering he had another season left in his contract.
Given his recent performance, Tsyplakov might not seem like a particularly remarkable player. In 27 games with the Islanders, he tallied just one goal and one assist. But his on-ice statistics indicate a positive impact, including a 52.5 shots for percentage (SF%). Likewise, he had a 35-point campaign last season, which included one game-winning goal and three power-play points.
During his first practice with the Devils on Thursday, he received a warm welcome, jumping right into the action ahead of his debut at Prudential Center. After practice, head coach Sheldon Keefe expressed how excited the group was to have Tsyplakov, explaining how his impact goes far beyond the score sheet. “I think he’s excited for a fresh start. He’s a big guy and immediately comes in as our biggest forward in terms of size, but there’s a skill set that goes with that,” said Keefe.
Promising Devils’ Debut
Tsyplakov played a total of 8:18 in the Devils’ 3-2 overtime victory, but immediately stood out due to his physical presence. He landed a total of five hits, second only to Paul Cotter.
Initially, it appeared that he would play a role in the Devils’ bottom six, but the 27-year-old Russian spent his first game on the second line with Nico Hischier and Arseny Gritsyuk. Together, they were responsible for five shot attempts and three shots on goal in 5-on-5 scenarios, and Tsyplakov did a great job of bolstering the line with his size.
Jan 29, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing Maxim Tsyplakov skates against the Nashville Predators during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
Overall, it appears that Tsyplakov is finding his footing with his new team. Based on his debut, there’s no doubt that he can bring a gritty edge to the Devils’ lineup. Physicality is also something that the team struggled with in the past, so having another player willing to throw their weight around could be beneficial in the long run.
He also excels at transitioning the puck through the neutral zone, which can help the Devils create more scoring opportunities as he develops additional chemistry with his linemates. Even though he did not register a shot on goal against the Predators, he still made an impact by disrupting opposing puck movement. His first game might not have been the flashiest debut, but it could be the start of better things to come for the Devils.
Tsyplakov’s Potential Role Moving Forward
As the Devils prepare for their last three games before the Olympic break, there are a few different ways Tsyplakov can fit into their group. The first option would be to keep his current place on the second line, in the hopes that star players can amp up his point production.
The more obvious choice would be to slot him onto the third or fourth line, so he can contribute depth scoring. However, the Devils’ current situation is precarious. They lost Cody Glass in the second period against the Winnipeg Jets, after he blocked a shot and went down the tunnel. Now, they’ll be without star forward Jack Hughes once more, after he left Thursday’s game with a lower-body injury.
Related: Devils’ Depth Scoring Powering Recent Win Streak
In the past, injuries have served as opportunities for players to step up — most notably Simon Nemec’s breakout season in the absence of Johnathan Kovacevic. The question is, will Tsyplakov play a larger role for the remainder of the season?
The reality is that this is only his second season playing in North America. A change of scenery could help his current slump, especially if his ice time increases. If he can become a reliable secondary scorer, he just might play an important role in the Devils’ playoff push. His physical style of play can become an asset, along with his aggressive offense. Hopefully, Tsyplakov will surprise fans and become a larger part of the team’s success moving forward.
