Devils trade Palat, picks to Islanders for Tsyplakov

The New Jersey Devils traded forward Ondrej Palat, a 2026 third-round pick, and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the New York Islanders for forward Maxim Tsyplakov, the teams announced Tuesday.

The Devils aren't retaining any of Palat's $6-million cap hit. The 34-year-old is signed through 2026-27 and has a 10-team trade list. He ranked 24th on theScore's trade deadline big board.

Palat has recorded four goals and 10 points in 51 games this season, with just two goals and no assists in his last 11 contests. The Devils held him out of Tuesday's outing against the Winnipeg Jets for roster-related reasons.

The Czech native will represent his country at the Olympics in February. A two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021, Palat has appeared in 155 playoff games - ninth-most among active NHLers.

Palat has totaled 181 goals and 515 points in 876 career contests between Tampa Bay and New Jersey. He's compiled 38 goals and 92 points in 248 games since signing a five-year, $30-million contract with the Devils in 2022.

Tsyplakov has struggled significantly in his sophomore NHL campaign, registering one goal and two points in 27 games. He notched 10 goals and 35 points in 77 appearances last year, his first season in North America after seven campaigns in the KHL.

The 27-year-old inked a two-year pact with a $2.25-million cap hit in July.

The Devils free up $3.75 million of cap space with the transaction.

The Islanders also acquired defenseman Carson Soucy from the New York Rangers on Monday.