The New York Islanders acquired veteran forward Ondrej Palat, a 2026 third-round pick, and a 2027 sixth-round pick from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for forward Maxim Tsyplakov on Tuesday night. The Islanders will absorb the entirety of Palat’s $6 million annual cap hit, as New Jersey did not retain any salary in the transaction. The trade marks the second deal involving the Islanders and one of their regional rivals in as many days, following their deal to acquire Carson Soucy from the New York Rangers on Monday.
#NEWS: We've acquired forward Maxim Tsyplakov from the New York Islanders for forward Ondrej Palat, a 2026 third-round draft pick, and a 2027 sixth-round draft pick.
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) January 28, 2026
📰: https://t.co/i1nAl6yDMY pic.twitter.com/Ynx5jUudOj
Palat, 34, brings a wealth of postseason experience to Long Island, having won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships with Tampa Bay in 2020 and 2021. Through 51 games this season, the Czech winger has recorded four goals and six assists for 10 points. Palat has collected 515 points in 876 games over 14 NHL seasons; he’s added 103 points in 155 playoff contests. Palat reunites with former Bolts executive and current Islanders GM Mathieu Darche on Long Island.
Heading to Newark is Maxim Tsyplakov, 27, who has struggled to replicate his rookie success. After a promising 35-point debut last season, Tsyplakov has tallied just one goal and two points in 27 games this year. He is currently in the first year of a two-year contract with a $2.25 million AAV.