Flames’ Tsyplakov Could Be Next on Chopping Block After Zary

Maxim Tsyplakov was part of the trade that brought Simon Nemec to the Calgary Flames. Headed to the New Jersey Devils were two conditional first-round picks, a second-round pick in the 2026 Draft, and prospect Etienne Morin. However, Tsyplakov’s struggles from last season carried forward into the preseason and through the first few games of 2026-27.

The Flames have mustered only three goals in as many games while giving up 16. The entire forward core is struggling, and after Connor Zary was placed on waivers on Monday, it seems a matter of time before a move is made with Tsyplakov, who was part of the Flames’ big offseason move. 

Tsyplakov Career to This Point

Tsyplakov hails from Moscow, Russia, and spent his youth hockey years playing in the Spartak Moscow system. He made his senior debut during the 2017-18 KHL season and bounced between the KHL and VHL (Russia’s American Hockey League (AHL) equivalent) over the next few years.

In 2023-24, Tsyplakov had his breakout season in the KHL, recording 31 goals and 47 points in 65 games. It was his first season scoring more than 10 goals, and he nearly doubled his point total from the previous season, when he notched 25 points. His successful campaign earned him a lot of interest from NHL clubs, and he signed an entry-level contract with the New York Islanders on May 17, 2024. 

Tsyplakov’s rookie season in the NHL was also successful, as he recorded 10 goals and 35 points in 77 games. In June of 2025, the Islanders re-signed him to a two-year, $4.5 million contract. 

However, last season did not go the way either party wanted. Tsyplakov only recorded one goal and two points in 27 games, and the Islanders then dealt him to the Devils for Ondrej Palat, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 sixth-round pick. Despite the change of scenery, the struggles continued as he recorded just one more goal and one assist in the final 22 games. 

A Rough Start in Calgary

The holes in the Flames’ lineup are obvious,  but now that they have finally accepted a rebuild rather than retooling, this isn’t a net negative. What it means is that Calgary must allow their young talent to taste real NHL minutes rather than the last five games of the season when the playoffs are out of reach, and players like Tsyplakov are in the way.

In three games so far, he has been held off the score sheet along with most of the team; he is a minus-3, has only one shot on goal, and only five shot attempts. Tsyplakov’s lack of speed has also been noticeable, and his place in the lineup is questionable. For a player who came over to be a solid net-front presence who can score (like he did in his final season in the KHL), he has yet to show signs of those abilities.

Many players could fill his role in the lineup and do more with those minutes. Brennan Othamann and Aydar Suniev come to mind. Othamann has a relentless engine and an edge to his game that can really get under the opposition’s skin. Suniev is a pure goal-scorer who has taken exceptional strides season over season and has had a good start in the AHL this season. 

After a disastrous start to the campaign, many thought Tsyplakov would be the one placed on waivers instead of Zary, but that doesn’t mean he’s safe, especially if his struggles continue. If they do, there is no reason for him to keep his place on the roster.