The New York Islanders have just a few veterans coming back from accidents who’re anticipated to be a significant a part of the crew’s recreation plan within the 2026-27 season.
A few of these veterans, similar to ahead Anthony Duclair, had been challenged to come back into coaching camp able to compete for a spot after a disappointing marketing campaign. One other participant who could have a variety of eyes on them is defenseman Alexander Romanov.
One of many first strikes that Mathieu Darche made as basic supervisor of the Islanders was signing the defenseman to an eight-year, $50 million extension that runs via 2033. The brand new front-office basic was satisfied that Romanov was going to be a long-term a part of the crew’s defensive core and change into an influence participant.
The primary season after the extension was signed didn’t go as deliberate. Romanov was unproductive, recording one level, a single help, in 15 video games earlier than he suffered a season-ending shoulder damage when he was hit by Mikko Rantanen on Nov. 18, 2025.
Months of rehab ensued, and he was decided to make an excellent impression at coaching camp. Now wholesome, he accepted the problem to get into one of the best form he may over the summer season, and head coach Peter DeBoer has taken discover.
“Got here in unbelievable form,” DeBoer mentioned, by way of Shannon Bickert of NHL.com. “He is lighter. He is faster. I like his physicality like everyone does. On the similar time, he can actually skate. He is exhausting to play in opposition to. He has prime 4 upside, and it is on us to be sure that we deliver that out.”
In three seasons with the Islanders earlier than the injury-plagued 2025-26 marketing campaign, Romanov recorded no less than 20 factors and had a optimistic plus/minus. It was comprehensible why Darche thought so extremely of him, and now it’s time for Romanov to show his basic supervisor’s confidence in him appropriate.
“[I] really feel good,” Romanov mentioned, following the primary day of Islanders Coaching Camp. “Intensive follow, however I am not exhausted or one thing. I really feel good.”
Having to sit down out so long as he did wasn’t simple. Romanov is an enthusiastic participant who desires to be on the ice every single day. When that was not doable, there have been some bouts of frustration early on.
Nonetheless, he was in a position to efficiently channel that frustration into motivation, seeking to come again stronger and sooner than earlier than. By all accounts, each his personal and people throughout the group, he has achieved that purpose.
A bodily presence on the ice, getting Romanov again within the combine, will present New York with a pleasant increase on the blueline.
There may be a variety of motivation for him to play properly as a result of the Islanders have some robust selections to make with the way forward for their defensemen group; if Romanov desires to be part of these plans long-term, he has to make an excellent impression this season.
