Islanders’ Max Tsyplakov files for arbitration with contract talks likely looming

The Islanders had two more contracts on their to-do list before Saturday’s 5 p.m. deadline for player-elected arbitration.

At least one of them might get complicated after Max Tsyplakov was one of 11 players to file for arbitration, per an NHLPA announcement.

Filing for arbitration does not preclude Tsyplakov’s camp and the Islanders from working on a contract between now and a potential hearing, which would be held between July 20 and August 4.

If anything, it may add pressure on both sides to get something done and avoid a potentially ugly hearing.

Though a player filing for arbitration opens up a second buyout window for the Islanders, they are not expected to use it.

Pierre Engvall, who would be the main buyout candidate on the roster, is not eligible to be bought out in the second window, as it only applies to contracts with a cap hit greater than $4 million.

As of 5 p.m. things were quiet regarding Marc Gatcomb, the other arbitration-eligible restricted free agent yet to sign.

Gatcomb’s name was not on the PA’s list of players to file for arbitration and The Post was told earlier in the day that the two sides were working to find a deal ahead of the deadline.

Tsyplakov, who signed as a free agent from Russia a year ago, finished his first NHL season with 10 goals and 25 assists, flashing talent while still clearly in the midst of adjusting to a new league and new culture.

Though he went through a long scoreless stretch that spanned late December through mid-March and was healthy-scratched by Patrick Roy at one point, Tsyplakov carved out a middle-six role and played a heavy style of hockey that fit the Islanders well.

“Expecting for more from myself,” Tsyplakov said at breakup day. “Score goals, more points and be a good player on ice.

“… Here, I know I can score more and be better next season about this.”

If his contract is sorted out, he’ll have the chance to do so next year, albeit on a team that figures to present stiffer competition at wing after the Islanders added Jonathan Drouin, Emil Heineman and Tsyplakov’s compatriot Max Shabanov.

For Gatcomb, that competition could spell trouble.

The 25-year-old undrafted wing broke into the NHL last season, playing 39 games with the Islanders as they dealt with injury issues.

Gatcomb played a physical game, averaging 3.92 hits per game, and showed a flair for scoring, with eight goals.

Given their additions at wing and assuming that everyone comes into camp healthy, though, it’s hard to see Gatcomb making the roster without a standout camp.