Devils Trade Ondrej Palat to the New York Islanders

** Update: The Devils have traded Ondrej Palat to the New York Islanders. The full trade is: Palat, a 3rd RD pick in ‘26 and a 6th RD pick in ‘27 for Maxim Tsyplakov. There is zero salary retention involved.

Tsyplakov, 27, is in his second NHL season after signing with the Islanders in 2024. The 6-foot-3 winger has 37 career points in 104 NHL games and is in the first year of a two-year contract. He previously spent seven seasons in the KHL with Spartak.

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New Jersey Devils team reporter Amanda Stein is reporting that Ondrej Palat is being held out tonight for roster-related reasons. While that could mean a few things, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun is also reporting that a trade may be imminent.

With the Olympic roster freeze just days away, there has been some urgency over the past couple of days to get deals done. He has a 10-team trade list, and it is being reported that he has left the arena.

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LeBrun posted on X.com, “Sense is Devils feel they’re getting closer on a potential Palat trade. I do wonder about the Islanders as a potential landing spot with the Mathieu Darche-Tampa connection to Palat. We’ll see where it goes.”

The Devils have long tried to move Palát and his $6 million cap hit, but his no-movement clause and declining play complicated matters. Now, GM Tom Fitzgerald appears to have found a willing trade partner.

Signed in 2022 after strong years in Tampa Bay, Palát’s production has dropped sharply in New Jersey, making his contract a negative asset the Devils may need to pay to move. He has only 10 points in 51 games for a career-worst pace this season.

Next: Panarin Talk Heating Up as Rangers Narrow Down Trade Options