Maxim Tsyplakov Fantasy Stats

Calgary Flames winger Maxim Tsyplakov will be a healthy scratch on Sunday against the Carolina Hurricanes. He's had a minor role in the bottom six, averaging 11:12 of ice time. Tsyplakov has averaged nearly three hits per game this season but has contributed only one assist in six outings on the offensive end. The Flames will insert Brennan Othmann into the lineup for his second appearance of the season. Othmann is a fourth-line grinder and shouldn't generate any fantasy interest.

New York Islanders left wing Maxim Tsyplakov has avoided salary arbitration by signing a new two-year deal worth $4.5 million. The Islanders picked up Tsyplakov last offseason as a free agent on a one-year, entry-level contract worth $950,000. Tsyplakov adapted well to his new environment, scoring 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists) in 77 games, which ranked ninth among first-year players. The 26-year-old Russian also brought physicality to the Islanders' lineup, finishing the campaign with 140 hits. Fantasy managers can expect similar production from Tsyplakov next season, as he's no longer a very young player and probably doesn't have much upside left.

New York Islanders winger Maxim Tsyplakov has been handed a three-game suspension for an illegal check to the head of Philadelphia forward Ryan Poehling (upper body) during Thursday's 5-3 win. Poehling exited the game with an injury following the incident, while Tsyplakov was not called for a penalty. Tsyplakov's suspension will start with Saturday's tilt against San Jose. He will be eligible to return to action on Jan. 25. Tsyplakov has amassed 19 points (seven goals, 12 assists) with a team-high 101 hits in 44 games for his rookie campaign. Marc Gatcomb has been recalled from the AHL and figures to step in as Tsyplakov's replacement this weekend. The 25-year-old has posted 17 points (nine goals, eight assists) in 35 AHL outings this season. He finished scoreless in his NHL debut on Jan. 14.