The New York Islanders and forward Maxim Tsyplakov have avoided salary arbitration. The 26-year-old came to terms on a two-year extension worth $2.25 million, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
Just a reminder, but had the Islanders and Tsyplakov gone in front of an arbitrator, given that he is 26, he would only be eligible for a one-year deal, as his unrestricted free agent years begin at age 27.
Tsyplakov was the final Islanders player that was in need of a contract and getting Tsyplakov to agree to $2.25 million was a nice piece of work to close things out.
According to industry sources, the Islanders and Tsyplakov's camp came close to an extension worth $3 million per season. But that potential deal didn't get done before former general manager Lou Lamoriello's time with the organization came to an end.
Where Things Stand Between Tsyplakov & Islanders Tsyplakov filed for player-elected salary arbitration on July 7.New general manager Mathieu Darche deserves credit for how he's handled his restricted free agents.
Darche made it clear that he wanted players who would be a pain to play against, and look no further than Alexander Romanov. The 25-year-old defenseman signed an eight-year extension worth $6.25 million.
Was it a tad more than people expected, including Romanov? Sure, but Romanov not only fits the game plan and the club's timeline, but has emerged as No. 2 defenseman, and had he continued to develop, that price tag would have been much more in a few years.
On the flip side, 25-year-old Noah Dobson and his camp wanted the Islanders to pay close to $10 million annually. While Darche made it clear that he wanted to keep Dobson, there was a line that he was not going to cross, and he didn't.
While Dobson said he didn't request a trade, he did everything possible to force his way off Long Island and onto the Montreal Canadiens, using the need for a new deal as complete leverage despite not having any trade protection.
The Islanders lucked out with what appeared to be an underwhelming trade, getting pick No. 16 (Victor Eklund), No. 17 (Kashawn Aitcheson), and Emil Heineman before Dobson signed an eight-year extension worth $9.5 million with Montreal -- taking less.
Heineman, fresh off his first NHL season -- it was a tail of two halves with 10 goals and seven assists through his first 37 games before one assist in his final 25 games -- signed a two-year deal worth $1.1 million annually.
With Tsyplakov, Darche could have stuck with the deal that was in the works before he took over, but he didn't. Despite information emerging that Darche honored Kyle Palmieri's two-year deal worth $4.75 million, there was still work to be done on that deal, which was hashed out when the contract was signed, not before it.
Tsyplakov's camp probably realized, given his production this past season with 10 goals and 25 assists for 35 points in 77 games, that $2.25 million was likely as high as the arbitrator was willing to go.
Although this is a two-year deal, it's undoubtedly a prove-it contract, especially given the amount of forward depth the club has leading up to training camp. Tsyplakov signed with the Islanders out of Russia because of the opportunity they presented. The opportunity that was there last season isn't as wide open this time around.
For a first-time general manager looking to set the foundation for long-term success, Darche needed to be smart here, and he was, which isn't a shock given his salary cap and contract negotiation experience from his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Forward Simon Holmstrom, off a breakout season with 20 goals and 25 assists for 45 points, signed a two-year deal worth $3.625 million annually, which will make him eligible for free agency. His upside is tremendous, and this deal will keep him a restricted free agent once it ends.
Then, the Islanders will be set up to sign him to a long-term deal -- CBA for 2026-27 and beyond will limit contracts to seven years -- and while he'll get fair value, that potential contract will likely look like a steal if he keeps developing the way he has.
Forward Marc Gatcomb, who demonstrated a nice offensive touch with eight goals and one assist in 39 games while playing a speedy, physical forechecking style, is a solid depth piece - an extra forward to have on the roster. While he didn't sign his qualifying offer worth $813,750 -- that would have been a two-way deal-- he signed a one-way contract worth $900,000.
Defenseman Adam Boqvist, who head coach Patrick Roy absolutely loves, fits the system to a tee after coming over from waivers from the Florida Panthers.
He recorded four goals and 10 assists for 14 points in 35 games and very well could beat out Scott Mayfield for the third-pairing spot, like he did last season.
Boqvist signed a one-year deal worth $850,000, taking less than his $892,500 qualifying offer to get a one-way deal.
Darche has officially completed the contract work the team needed, so maybe he can take a little -- just a little -- time off ahead of his first season as the club's GM.
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PHOTO: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
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