The thing about Tsyplakov is, he’s an inside out, natural C. If you watch him play, he gets his nose dirty, with and without the puck. He will drive through traffic, and he can create space in that traffic. Most natural Russian wingers don’t anymore, because they’re more systems oriented players.
He’s not that type of player though. Likely because he is a natural C, who grew up and developed as a C. He also uses his size to separate himself, which allows him to create a little space outside. He’s a little weaker in transition than some of the more skilled wingers from Russia, but he looks like he may have some NHL game to him. We’ll find out it seems.
His best bet is likely with the Isles or Detroit, if it’s only those teams. Both would be able to give him his second contract more easily. He’s not gonna want to come over and play his ELC and immediately switch teams after a year.
My guess is, he’s gonna have more than a handful of teams interested in him though. The only concern I’d have, is getting his shot off quick enough. He does telegraph it. Not so sure it’s quick enough, but he’s skilled enough, and plays a 200’ game, that he can probably be (at least) a secondary scorer in the league, playing on a 3rd line. Might take him a year to get used to the speed of the game here, but he’s gonna get a chance, if he wants it, and because of that 200’ game, he might last awhile.
Just like all of the KHL players though, we just won’t know until he gets over here.
