July is finally almost over, folks. The New York Islanders’ summer of change is all but over. Still, there’s some business to attend to, but nothing too scary at this point.
Maxim Tsyplakov Arbitration Date Set:
The headline first. PuckPedia revealed arbitration dates for each remaining RFA, with arbitration scheduled. For Maxim Tsyplakov and the Islanders, that date is July 29.
That gives the Islanders a week to sort out the details with Tsyplakov. I cannot imagine that either side truly wants to go that far, especially for what will ultimately be a shorter-term deal.
Tsyplakov scored 10 goals and 35 points across 77 games last season, his rookie NHL campaign. The Russian winger showed important versatility throughout the lineup, playing notable minutes on every line.
With just six days until arbitration now, expect talks to really ramp up even more.
When Schaefer Will Sign:
Last week, I turned my brain off and had it in mid-July form when I speculated why Matthew Schaefer remains unsigned. While it remains true that Schaefer is unsigned, it’s not because of any type of contractual disagreement.
Even if there was one, he is 17 years old until September 5. Therefore, according to the NHL CBA, he cannot sign a contract until that date, as nobody under 18 is permitted to do so.
There shouldn’t be much concern, but let that alleviate any and all outstanding concern about Schaefer’s contractual standing.
Lineup Rumors:
It’s no secret that the Islanders hold a packed forward group. Now, with just barely under two months until training camp, it’s clear to see the plans in New York do not include an opening night roster spot for three regulars from last season.
Marc Gatcomb, Pierre Engvall, and Kyle MacLean all will start training camp on the outside looking in. None are waiver-exempt, making the situation even trickier, as at least one will be waived by October.
Right now, Engvall or Gatcomb make the most sense to get waived, as both play wing on a team loaded with wingers and some close-to-NHL-ready wingers bubbling under. Engvall, 29, could be traded before camp as well, but his onerous contract gives teams pause.
However, as a 13th or 14th forward, Engvall’s shown flashes of ability to play anywhere from the second line to the fourth line, making him an appealing option despite his contract.
As for Gatcomb, 26, his cheap cap hit makes him a much easier player for opposing teams to claim, but some questions may linger about his overall impact despite his strong rookie showing. Gatcomb played under 10 minutes per game last season, and there would be doubts about his ability to play a role outside the bottom line.
