On Tuesday, Ondrej Palat was traded from the New Jersey Devils to the New York Islanders in exchange for Maxim Tsyplakov. The Islanders also picked up a third-round pick for the 2026 NHL Draft and a sixth-round pick for 2027.
This season, Palat has recorded 10 points—four goals and six assists—in 51 games. At 34, he has one year left on a five-year, $30 million contract he signed with the Devils in July 2022, averaging $6 million per year.
Devils coach Sheldon Keefe expressed his sentiments about Palat, stating, “We’re going to miss ‘Pally.’ He’s a tremendous guy and a great leader. His hard work and competitiveness make a big difference, even if it doesn’t always show up on the score sheet.” Keefe emphasized Palat’s value, pointing out how his experience and character are crucial for a team aiming to improve. “He sets an example in so many ways,” he added.
Palat was picked by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the seventh round of the 2011 NHL Draft. Throughout his career, he has amassed 515 points—181 goals and 334 assists—in 876 regular-season games with the Lightning and Devils. He’s also starred in the playoffs, scoring 103 points in 155 games and winning consecutive Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021.
Devils captain Nico Hischier shared his thoughts, saying, “It’s never easy to see a guy like Pally go. He taught us a lot, and I often turned to him for guidance. It’s tough, but we wish him all the best.” His emotional take highlights the impact Palat had on his teammates.
In the trade, the Devils received Maxim Tsyplakov, who has had a modest season with just two points in 27 games. He signed with the Islanders as an undrafted free agent in May 2024 and had a strong rookie season with 35 points in 77 games. However, his ice time has significantly decreased this year, leading to questions about his future performance.
This trade is part of a busy period for the Islanders, who recently acquired defenseman Carson Soucy from the New York Rangers for a third-round draft pick. Currently, the Islanders sit in third place in the Metropolitan Division. The Devils, on the other hand, are in sixth place, trailing the wild card teams by nine points.
Such trades highlight the ever-changing dynamics in the NHL. As teams shuffle players for performance and strategy, it becomes essential to keep an eye on how these decisions affect team chemistry and prospects for the playoffs.
For further insights, research from Sportsnet indicates that trades significantly impact team performance, with a 2022 study showing that teams acquiring seasoned players improve by an average of 3-5 points in standings. As both the Islanders and Devils navigate their paths, the outcomes of these moves could shape their seasons ahead.
