The Islanders and Max Tsyplakov did not get as far as arbitration.
The two sides avoided the July 29 hearing date as Tsyplakov inked a two-year deal worth $2.25 million annually, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Friday.
Tsyplakov was the Islanders’ last remaining restricted free agent, so his signing should just about conclude the club’s offseason business, barring something unforeseen.
The Islanders and Max Tsyplakov avoided arbitration with a two-year pact. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Including No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer, who still needs to sign his entry-level deal, the Islanders should come into training camp with 16 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders in the mix to compete for roster spots.
That is a significantly deeper pool from which to draw than has been the case over the last few seasons, when only the last two or three roster spots were in question.
How much open cap space the Isles have at the start of the season will depend ultimately on who makes it from that group, but it’s unlikely they will be right up against the $95.5 million ceiling.
As for Tsyplakov, the Russian winger had 10 goals and 25 assists in his first NHL season with a role that generally fell in the middle six.
Tsyplakov (7) tallied 10 goals and 25 assists in his first NHL season. Robert Sabo for NY Post
He expressed frustration about the lack of scoring and struggled at points with turning the puck over, but had solid advanced numbers and played a heavy game that the Islanders liked.
“I expected for more [from] myself,” Tsyplakov said at breakup day. “More [scoring], more goals, more points. Be a good player on ice.
“… It’s just not completing my chances. Sometimes no lucky shots. KHL last season, I had a lot of luck. Here I know I can score more. I’ll be better next season about this.”
There will be more competition in the top six for the Islanders this year than last, creating more pressure on Tsyplaykov to produce.
Coach Patrick Roy has already said that free-agent signing Jonathan Drouin will start the year on a line with Bo Horvat.
Fellow Russian Max Shabanov could have a chance to play his way into the top six as well, while Simon Holmstrom can be penciled into a top-six role after starting last season on the third line.
A healthy Anthony Duclair will have a chance to earn high-end minutes, too.
Tsyplakov’s role, then, will depend on how things shake out at training camp, and should change throughout the season.
“For me, it doesn’t matter who I play [with],” Tsyplakov said at breakup day. “I know I can play with everybody.”