Tsyplakov may not have the wheels that a natural top-six forward would have, but what he lacks in speed, he makes up for with his IQ, quick passing, and stick-handling. The expectation is that he'll get a chance to skate on the second line when the Islanders host the Flyers on Monday night at 7 PM ET.

EAST MEADOW, NY -- The New York Islanders have expectations for Maxin Tsyplakov, their European free agent signing. The 25-year-old has the size and shot to be an NHL-caliber player. But having only played in the KHL and had only one strong season, his last out of five with Moscow Spartak, there are reservations, for sure.