It’s always a bit overwhelming when a young player comes to North America for the very first time.
In addition to getting acclimated to the NHL, the language barrier and way of life require some getting used to, and it can be uncomfortable for some, especially if they are alone.
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But that won’t be the case for New York Islanders newcomer Maxim Tsyplakov, who signed a one-year entry-level deal worth $950,000 on May 16 at the top available European free agent.
In an exclusive interview with Sports Express, translated by Hockey News Hub from Russian to English, Tsyplakov shared that he wouldn’t make the voyage without some important company.
His wife and daughter are making the trek with him to Long Island.
Tsyplakov also shared that he’s found an apartment already, which is a sure positive, taking some stress off his plate.
We will not be sharing where the apartment is.
Interestingly, the interviewer asked Tsyplakov about Bridgeport, the Islanders’ AHL affiliate.
The interviewer said that where he was going to be living was about a two-hour trip to Bridgeport, posing the statement as if he had to find a place in between there and Northwell Ice Center, the club’s practice facility in East Meadow.
Tsyplakov responded with “Yes, yes.”
But based on everything Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said to us at the NHL Draft and what the 25-year-old said through a translator in an exclusive interview with Ethan Sears of the New York Post, Tsyplakov is going to get a chance to be an NHL player.
We know that around 12 teams were interested in acquiring his skillset after his breakout 31-goal season in the KHL. He wouldn’t choose a team where a starting NHL job was unlikely.
“He’s going to be given every opportunity. We did not sign him for Bridgeport,” Lamoriello said following the 2024 NHL Draft. “He had a lot of opportunities. Our scouts did a great job with him. You’ll get a chance to see him. He’s an NHL-type of player.“
There’s only one reason Tsyplakov starts in the AHL: for the team to be salary-cap compliant.
He is waiver-exempt.
Currently, the Islanders are over the allotted $88 million salary cap by $950,000 after restricted free agent forward Oliver Wahlstrom signed a one-year, $1 million deal after filing for arbitration, settling before his hearing.
Tsyplakov being sent to Bridgeport and New York keeping Wahlstrom on the roster would have the Islanders exactly at the cap ceiling.
It’s not likely that will happen, but don’t be shocked if Tsyplakov is “sent” to Bridgeport via a paper transaction during the season for cap accrual purposes.
For more on cap accrual, check out the article below:
Related: Understanding Salary Cap Accrual & Islanders Financial Situation
At the time of the interview, Tsyplakov shared that he still had to figure out how much to pack, as he and the Islanders hope his stay on Long Island isn’t a one-and-done situation.
Following the 2024-25 season, Tsyplakov will be a restricted free agent, which is very good news for the Islanders if he can become an effective player, even though he is arbitration-eligible.
He will likely play in a top-six role alongside Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri in the second line.
Related: Where Could Maxim Tsyplakov Fit In Islanders Lineup?
The most important thing about the interview is that Tsyplakov isn’t taking the journey alone.
When Ilya Sorokin came over from Russia to the Canadian bubble in 2020, he was by himself. Goaltender and fellow Russian Semyon Varlamov became a big brother rather quickly, helping him in any way he could.
A few years later, in the summer of 2022, Alexander Romanov came to Long Island via a trade with the Montreal Canadiens. He and Sorokin quickly became the best of friends, to the point where they seem inseparable.
So, even if Tsyplakov came without his family, he would have Russians ready and waiting to help him get as comfortable as possible, as quickly as possible.
Having fellow Russians here probably played a part in his decision to sign with the Islanders.
Related: Why KHL Stud Maxim Tsyplakov May Have Signed With Islanders & Not Eleven Other NHL Teams
But being away from family is extremely tough, so having his wife and daughter becomes paramount for the mental psyche.
Although Sorokin came over alone, his father has been at the practice facility more often the last two seasons, which has meant the world to the Islanders’ No. 1 netminder in the few conversations we’ve had about it.
Two seasons ago, the Islanders signed Nikita Soshnikov out of Russia, but his stay was short-lived before he was placed on waivers for the purpose of contract termination.
Soshnikov struggled in his second attempt at an NHL career, and rumors swirled that he wanted to return home. His family didn’t come with him when he signed, and that was rumored to play a part in his decision to return home.
Given how fast Romanov got accustomed to Long Island and the Islanders with Varlamov and Sorokin here, Tsyplakov should fit in perfectly.
The Islanders will need him to be as comfortable as possible because all they want him to focus on is putting pucks in the back of the net and strengthening the club up front.
Check out Hockey Hub’s Patreon, as the account is the go-to place for all your KHL updates. He will be providing updates on Islanders prospect Ruslan Iskhakov, who is playing for CSKA Moscow this upcoming season.
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