Fri Jan 30 00:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Devils Gamble on Tsyplakov to Spark Playoff Push

The Story: The New Jersey Devils are shaking up their roster, acquiring winger Maxim Tsyplakov from the New York Islanders in exchange for forward Ondrej Palat and draft picks. Tsyplakov is set to make his Devils debut tonight against the Nashville Predators at Prudential Center. The move is aimed at injecting size, skill, and physicality into the Devils’ lineup as they desperately try to climb back into playoff contention.

Key Points:

  • Maxim Tsyplakov acquired from the New York Islanders for Ondrej Palat and draft picks, will make his Devils debut tonight.
  • Cody Glass is out due to injury after being hit by a shot in the previous game.
  • Jacob Markstrom will start in goal for the Devils.
  • Tsyplakov had 31 goals and 47 points in the KHL in 2023-24, but has struggled with only one goal and two points in 27 games with the Islanders this season.
  • The Devils are currently nine points out of the final Wild Card spot and five points back from the final position in the Metro Division.
  • Nashville Predators’ Steven Stamkos has 25 goals in 52 games.
  • Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton is riding a nine-game point/assist streak.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Devils are making a calculated risk by acquiring Tsyplakov, hoping he can recapture his KHL scoring touch and provide a spark to their struggling offense.
  • The trade signals a sense of urgency within the Devils organization to make a playoff push with only a few games remaining before the Olympic break.
  • The Devils’ special teams have been performing well, but they need to improve their 5v5 play to become a more consistent threat.

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