We can provide all the info you want from the stands, but the people who know best are the ones at ice level.
We can provide all the info you want from the stands, but the people who know best are the ones at ice level.
EAST MEADOW, NY -- The New York Islanders have expectations for Maxin Tsyplakov, their European free agent signing.
The 25-year-old has the size and shot to be an NHL-caliber player. But having only played in the KHL and had only one strong season, his last out of five with Moscow Spartak, there are reservations, for sure.
But signing Tsyplakov to a one-year entry-level deal worth $950,000 was a low-risk, high-reward move, especially if he can play on the second line with Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri.
Although not a rookie or a prospect, Tsyplakov hit the ice for Islanders Rookie camp this past week, which will be back in session on Tuesday after Monday's off-day.
Watching Tsyplakov work, it's clear he knows how to use his body, has a wicked release, and is shifty despite being 6'2, and weighing 190 pounds.
But everything is different at the ice level.
"He's just a very strong player," defense prospect Isaiah George said. "He's very technical with what he does and has a plan out there before he gets the puck, once he gets it, all that.
"I think he's just a really good player overall."
Forward prospect Matthew Maggio echoed George's sentiments.
"He's a big boy. You feel it right when you bump into him," Maggio said. "He's a presence out there, and he's so good with the puck on his stick. He's got so many puck skills. And just like when you're going against him, he's a guy you really can't knock off the puck. So yeah, he's a bull out there and looks good so far,"
Defense prospect Marshall Warren, who has been skating with Tsyplakov this summer and has developed a strong friendship with the new No. 7, didn't want to boost his ego too much.
"I've been going against him all summer, so I don't think it's that crazy," Warren said. "I think for some of the younger guys, he's bigger and stronger, but we had a lot of battles this summer and at rookie camp.
"We're actually pretty good friends, Maxim and I. We hang out a bit, so it's just cool to see him out there. And yeah, he has a big body, but, you just got to take away his angles, take away his time and space. He's a big guy."
Tsyplakov may be a tough customer on the ice, but away from the rink, he's a jokester.
"He's a funny guy. He's a really funny guy," Warren said. "He's got a beautiful family and a beautiful daughter, so it's cool to see him in a new place. His English is getting better, but, yeah, he's just such a funny guy to be around."
The best person to talk to about Tsyplakov's shot is a goalie, and Keith Kinkaid provided some great insight.
"Yeah, he's a sniper, from what I've seen," Kinkaid told The Hockey News. "He could put it in the short side angles. He's got a rip of a shot, too, and he's got great hands.
"So, just from what I've seen out there, from skating over the summer with him, too, he looks like a great piece for them."
As Warren alluded to, Tsyplakov was skating with the NHLers ahead of rookie camp.
We asked a few of them at the Islanders charity golf outing on Monday what they thought of one of the team's newest weapons.
"I know he's been a rookie camp, so I haven't seen him the last few days, but he skated with us probably five or six times. Seems really strong on the puck," Mathew Barzal said. "It seems like he's got a soft touch for a bigger guy. And he moves pretty well.
"I remember when we signed him, they put up a highlight tape, and I checked it out. He obviously can shoot the puck and has a knack for the net. So, I think it was a great signing."
Brock Nelson shared his thoughts.
"He looks strong. He looks like a solid player," Nelson said. "I talked a little bit, actually, with Shane Prince too, who played with him, so he gave me a bit of a scouting report, too. "I think he's a solid player, a lot of grit, works hard, Princey said, and he knows how to score."
Islanders head coach Patrick Roy, who is gearing up for his first training camp on the island, is intrigued.
“I’m curious to see Max Tsyplakov in training camp because he made such a great impression in rookie camp," Roy said. "I’m curious to see him with the guys, how he’s gonna handle that, the veterans, and the day-to-day of the team.
"I’m excited to see the competition that we’re gonna have, and it’ll be interesting."