For the first time this preseason, Tsyplakov will get a chance to skate in a top-six role
For the first time this preseason, Tsyplakov will get a chance to skate in a top-six role
EAST MEADOW, NY -- When the New York Islanders signed Maxim Tsyplakov this summer after his 31-goal breakout season in the KHL, he seemed destined for a top-six role.
But, when training camp opened up, Simon Holmstrom got the first opportunity alongside Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri, while Tsyplakov skated in a fourth-line role.
Holmstrom entered camp with tremendous confidence, especially in his shot, and it was clear why Roy kept him on the second line.
However, Roy made a change last Friday when he took Pierre Engvall off Jean-Gabriel Pageau's wing, swapping him with Holmstrom.
Tsyplakov remained on the fourth line.
However, after the first rounds of cuts on Saturday, Tsyplakov is the next man to get the top-six chance, skating with Nelson and Palmieri at Sunday's practice.
Tsyplakov's progress up the depth chart was all part of the Islanders' plan.
"He's got size. He's skating well. He moves the puck well, makes plays, and defends pretty well. That's why we took our time with him," Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said. "We didn't rush him into any role. He played a really good game against New Jersey in his first game. I thought he was okay against Philly. I thought he had a great game against the Devils on Friday.
"So we're like, 'Okay, let's see what you can do'. This is the perfect time to do those things. And giving him this opportunity will give us a bit of an idea of where his game is at and what he could do."
Through three preseason games, Tsyplakov has proven that he's an NHL player. What he lacks in speed -- he isn't a bad skater and has longer strides -- he makes up for with his strong passing and ability to read the ice and make the right play.
"He makes a lot of good plays," Nelson said. "He's strong on the puck. He does a really good job of slowing the play down, dragging defenders, and making a good play to create space for himself or us.
"He's got a good feel for puck possession and making plays."
Whether Tsyplakov plays in the top six or not, that didn't change his outlook on his job.
"I don't change my game," Tsyplakov said. "I know I need to be a bit more physical in my battles, save pucks in the offensive zone, and play at the net."
The NHL is about making the most of your opportunities, and although Monday night's game against the Flyers at UBS Arena won't count in the standings, Tsyplakov has a chance to turn some heads and show that his game can fit on an NHL second line.
If Tsyplakov makes the most of his opportunity and is strong fit with Nelson and Palmieri, his one-year entry-level deal worth $950,000 signing could be one of the steals of the summer.
Let's see what he can do.