The New York Islanders have acquired two-time Stanley Cup champion Ondrej Palat from the New Jersey Devils. Discover how this veteran’s leadership and playoff experience could be the missing piece for the Islanders’ 2026 post-season run.
The New York Islanders are making it very clear: they are all-in for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. In their second major splash in as many days, the Islanders have finalized a trade to bring veteran forward Ondrej Palat to Long Island. This move comes less than 24 hours after they bolstered their blue line with Carson Soucy, signaling a massive shift into “contending mode” before the trade deadline.
Trade Details at a Glance
| Team | Receives |
| New York Islanders | Ondrej Palat, 2026 3rd-Round Pick, 2027 6th-Round Pick |
| New Jersey Devils | Maxim Tsyplakov |
| Palat’s Cap Hit | $6.0 Million (No salary retained) |
| Contract Term | Through the 2026-27 Season |
| Playoff Pedigree | 2-Time Stanley Cup Champion (2020, 2021) |
The Value of “Been There, Done That”
While Ondrej Palat may not be lighting up the scoreboard like he did in his prime, his value to a locker room is immeasurable. With 10 points in 51 games this season, some might look at the stat sheet and wonder why the Islanders took on his full $6 million contract. However, General Manager Mathieu Darche knows exactly what he’s getting. Darche was the Director of Hockey Operations in Tampa Bay during Palat’s back-to-back championship runs, and he understands that Ondrej Palat is a player who thrives when the lights are brightest.
With 103 career playoff points to his name, Ondrej Palat brings a level of post-season experience that few active players can match. He isn’t just a veteran; he is a teacher. For a young Islanders core led by rookie sensation Matthew Schaefer, having a teammate like Ondrej Palat to guide them through the pressures of a playoff push is a strategic investment in the team’s culture.
Shoring Up the Defensive Forward Core
One of the primary reasons the Islanders targeted Ondrej Palat is his defensive reliability. The team has struggled this season with high expected goals against at five-on-five, often relying on Ilya Sorokin to bail them out. Ondrej Palat is a “coach’s player” who is often the first one back in the defensive zone and a consistent example of hard work during practices and games.
Devils coach Sheldon Keefe noted that Palat’s impact “doesn’t always show up on the score sheet,” but his departure leaves a massive hole in New Jersey’s leadership group. By adding Ondrej Palat, the Islanders now have a forward who can be trusted in the final minutes of a one-goal game—a crucial asset for a team currently sitting third in the tight Metropolitan Division.
A Fresh Start for Maxim Tsyplakov
The trade also marks the end of a brief era for Maxim Tsyplakov on Long Island. After a stellar 35-point rookie campaign, Tsyplakov struggled to find his footing this season, recording only two points in 27 games. A change of scenery was likely necessary for the 27-year-old Russian winger, and New Jersey provides an intriguing landing spot.
The Devils are looking to get younger and faster, and if Tsyplakov can rediscover the scoring touch that saw him net 31 goals in the KHL, this could be a major win for them in the long run. By moving Ondrej Palat, the Devils have also cleared significant cap space, allowing them to be “opportunistic” as they look to retool their own roster around their young stars.
The Islanders’ New Identity
With the acquisitions of both Carson Soucy and Ondrej Palat, the Islanders have added grit, size, and championship DNA in a 48-hour span. They are no longer just a team hoping to make the playoffs; they are a team built to survive them. The connection between Darche and Ondrej Palat suggests that the Islanders have a very specific vision for how this team needs to play in April and May.
As the NHL heads toward the Olympic break, the Islanders are positioning themselves as one of the most dangerous teams in the Eastern Conference. Whether or not Ondrej Palat rediscovers his scoring touch, his presence in the lineup makes the Islanders a much harder team to play against.
Conclusion: A Season-Defining Move
The trade for Ondrej Palat is a classic high-reward move for a team in a win-now window. By taking on the full contract and sending away a struggling young asset, the Islanders have signaled to their fans and the league that they believe their time is now. Ondrej Palat brings the rings, the grit, and the leadership required to transform a good team into a great one. If the Islanders find themselves deep in a playoff run this spring, you can bet that Ondrej Palat will be right in the middle of the action.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did the Islanders trade for Ondrej Palat given his high salary?
The Islanders prioritized leadership and playoff experience. GM Mathieu Darche has a history with Ondrej Palat from Tampa Bay and believes his championship pedigree is worth the $6 million cap hit for the current playoff push.
2. How many Stanley Cups has Ondrej Palat won?
Ondrej Palat is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, winning back-to-back titles with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021.
3. What did the New Jersey Devils get in return?
The Devils received 27-year-old forward Maxim Tsyplakov. They also gained significant salary cap flexibility by moving Palat’s $6 million AAV contract.
4. Is Ondrej Palat playing in the 2026 Olympics?
Yes, Ondrej Palat has been selected to represent Czechia at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina.
5. How does this move affect the Islanders’ standing in the Metropolitan Division?
The Islanders are currently 3rd in the Metropolitan Division. Adding Ondrej Palat and Carson Soucy is intended to solidify their position and prepare the roster for a deep post-season run.
