Maxim Tsyplakov dodges arbitration with Islanders in rare post-rookie NHL $4.5M deal settlement

New York Islanders forward Maxim Tsyplakov has signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract, avoiding a rare arbitration hearing just one season into his National Hockey League (NHL) career. Tsyplakov, who joined the NHL at age 25, qualified for arbitration early due to unique eligibility rules. The deal reflects the Islanders’ belief in his long-term potential after a solid rookie campaign.