Devils trade Ondrej Palat, picks to Islanders for Maxim Tsyplakov

The New Jersey Devils have traded veteran forward Ondrej Palat, along with a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick, to the New York Islanders in exchange for forward Maxim Tsyplakov.[1] The deal, announced on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, comes as the Devils look to shed salary cap space amid a middling season, while the Islanders bolster their lineup for a playoff push.[2]

Palat was held out of the Devils’ game against the Winnipeg Jets for “roster-related reasons,” a clear sign the trade was imminent. This move marks the second acquisition in two days for the Islanders, who also picked up defenseman Carson Soucy from the rival New York Rangers.[1]

Trade assets at a glance

The trade package is straightforward but carries significant implications for both clubs.

• Devils receive: Maxim Tsyplakov, a 27-year-old right winger under contract through 2026-27 at $2.25 million AAV.
• Islanders receive: Ondrej Palat (34 years old, $6 million AAV for two more seasons), New Jersey’s own 2026 third-round pick, and a 2027 sixth-round pick.

This swap nets the Devils immediate cap relief of about $3.75 million while sending draft capital the other way.[3]

Palat’s production had dipped this season, but his pedigree remains strong. Tsyplakov, meanwhile, offers youth and potential upside at a fraction of the cost.

The picks are late-round selections, unlikely to yield stars but valuable for depth in a rebuilding phase.

For full trade details, check the official NHL announcement.[2]

Palat’s tenure in New Jersey

Ondrej Palat joined the Devils in July 2022 on a five-year, $30 million deal, bringing two Stanley Cup rings from his Tampa Bay Lightning days.[1] The Czechia native, set to play in the Milan Cortina Olympics, was prized for leadership more than scoring.

In 51 games this 2025-26 season, Palat tallied just 10 points (four goals, six assists), reflecting the Devils’ offensive woes—they rank 29th in scoring league-wide.[1][4]

Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald praised Palat’s intangibles two weeks prior: “Ondrej, he’s a great pro, and he cares and he really wants to push and help. Our players admire him.”[1]

Despite the struggles, Palat’s playoff resume—103 points in 155 games—made him a mentor for New Jersey’s youth.

The trade ends a saga where Palat and defenseman Dougie Hamilton were shopped for months to free cap space.

Fans appreciated his championship experience, even if the points didn’t follow.

Maxim Tsyplakov arrives in New Jersey

Tsyplakov, an undrafted free agent signed by the Islanders in 2024, steps into a larger role with the Devils.[2] The 6-foot-3 Russian right winger impressed as a rookie last season with 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists) in 77 games.

This year, however, he’s managed only two points (one goal, one assist) in 27 games, averaging under 10 minutes of ice time amid lineup scratches.[5][1]

At 27, Tsyplakov is younger and cheaper, fitting the Devils’ timeline. His physicality and shot could complement New Jersey’s speed.

Scouts note his KHL background adds size to a skill-heavy forward group.

Expect Tsyplakov to slot into middle-six minutes, potentially boosting his output.

The ESPN trade breakdown highlights his cap-friendly deal as a win for flexibility.[1]

Cap space and roster flexibility

Clearing Palat’s $6 million AAV provides the Devils with roughly $3.75 million in breathing room against a tight cap.[3] Projections show them slightly over the ceiling pre-trade, now with room to maneuver.

Fitzgerald has eyed moves like this for months, pairing it with talks around Hamilton. “These are two respected players… they will be treated with respect,” he said on January 14.[1]

The savings could fund deadline additions or extensions for young stars.

Tsyplakov’s $2.25 million hit is locked in, minimizing long-term risk.

This positions New Jersey better for the stretch run, currently sixth in the Metropolitan Division at 27-23-2.[2]

Islanders shift to contender mode

New York, sitting third in the Metro at 28-19-5, took on Palat’s full contract to add grit and experience.[2] Rookie Matthew Schaefer, the No. 1 pick and Calder frontrunner, anchors their surge.

Palat joins just after Soucy’s arrival, signaling GM Lou Lamoriello’s aggression.

The picks sweeten the deal, though late-rounders carry low odds.

Palat’s leadership could steady a lineup blending youth and vets.

Expect him on the third line, mentoring amid playoff chase.

This intra-division swap heightens rivalry stakes.

Looking ahead for both teams

The Devils gain youth and cap flexibility at the cost of experience, betting on internal growth to climb the wild-card race—seven points back.[2] Tsyplakov’s bounce-back potential is key.

For the Islanders, Palat elevates their ceiling, pairing Cups pedigree with Schaefer’s flash.

Both clubs eye the deadline; New Jersey for sellers’ hauls, New York for depth.

This trade underscores deadline dynamics: cap dumps fuel contenders. Watch how Tsyplakov fits and if Palat sparks Isles’ run—what it means for the Eastern playoff picture remains unfolding.