Put yourself, for a moment, into Maxim Tsyplakov’s shoes. Here is someone who flew 4,666 miles and seven time zones, at the age of 26, not knowing anyone in his new home particularly well. Aside from what he picked up in school — and who really pays much attention to foreign language lessons in school?

Tsyplakov may not have the wheels that a natural top-six forward would have, but what he lacks in speed, he makes up for with his IQ, quick passing, and stick-handling. The expectation is that he'll get a chance to skate on the second line when the Islanders host the Flyers on Monday night at 7 PM ET.

EAST MEADOW, NY -- The New York Islanders have expectations for Maxin Tsyplakov, their European free agent signing. The 25-year-old has the size and shot to be an NHL-caliber player. But having only played in the KHL and had only one strong season, his last out of five with Moscow Spartak, there are reservations, for sure.