Devils Trade Palat and Picks to Islanders for Tsyplakov

New Jersey moves on from veteran winger Ondrej Palat in deal with division rival

Jan. 28, 2026 at 12:39am

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The New Jersey Devils have traded veteran winger Ondrej Palat and two draft picks to the New York Islanders in exchange for 27-year-old forward Maxim Tsyplakov. The Devils had been looking to deal Palat, who has struggled to produce this season, in an effort to clear salary cap space.

Why it matters

This trade represents a shift in direction for both teams, with the Islanders making a push to contend this season and the Devils looking to rebuild around younger talent. Palat brings championship experience from his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning, but his high salary cap hit made him expendable for the Devils.

The details

In the deal, the Devils sent Palat, a third-round pick in 2023, and a sixth-round pick in 2027 to the Islanders. In return, the Devils received Tsyplakov, a 27-year-old Russian forward who has struggled to establish himself as a regular in the Islanders' lineup. Tsyplakov's $2.25 million cap hit is significantly lower than Palat's $6 million.

  • On January 28, 2026, the Devils traded Palat and picks to the Islanders.
  • Palat was held out of the Devils' game against the Winnipeg Jets on January 28 due to roster-related reasons, signaling that a trade was in the works.

The players

Ondrej Palat

A 34-year-old veteran winger who helped the Tampa Bay Lightning win two Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021. He has struggled to produce this season with the Devils, recording just 10 points in 51 games.

Maxim Tsyplakov

A 27-year-old Russian forward who has been in and out of the Islanders' lineup, recording one goal and one assist in 27 games this season. His $2.25 million cap hit is significantly lower than Palat's.

Tom Fitzgerald

The general manager of the New Jersey Devils, who had been looking to trade Palat and defenseman Dougie Hamilton in an effort to clear salary cap space.

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What they’re saying

“These are two respected players. They're very respected in that locker room, and they will be treated with respect.”

— Tom Fitzgerald, General Manager, New Jersey Devils

“Ondrej, he's a great pro, and he cares and he really wants to push and help. Our players admire him. No, his production isn't where anybody envisioned it. But it was more the person, the experience to come in to help our young guys understand what winning looks like from his experience.”

— Tom Fitzgerald, General Manager, New Jersey Devils

What’s next

The Islanders will look to integrate Palat into their lineup as they make a push for the playoffs, while the Devils will continue to rebuild around their younger players and clear salary cap space.

The takeaway

This trade represents a shift in direction for both teams, with the Islanders looking to contend this season and the Devils focused on rebuilding. Palat's championship pedigree and leadership could be valuable for the Islanders, while the Devils' acquisition of the younger and cheaper Tsyplakov signals their commitment to a long-term rebuild.