Alexander Romanov Tears ACL, Out 6-8 Months
The Islanders defenseman faces another lengthy recovery just three games into his return from shoulder surgery.
New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov has suffered a torn ACL in his right knee, an injury that will require surgery and sideline him for an estimated six to eight months. The devastating news comes just three games into Romanov's return to the ice after previously undergoing shoulder surgery.
The injury occurred during Tuesday night's game against the Rangers. This latest setback adds significant uncertainty for the Islanders' defensive corps and general manager Mathieu Darche's long-term planning.
In the immediate aftermath, the team must address Romanov's absence ahead of Thursday's game against the Blackhawks. Coach Pete DeBoer has several options for reconfiguring the defense pairings. One possibility involves shifting Matthew Schaefer back to the left side, moving Adam Pelech to the second pairing, and inserting either Scott Mayfield or Matt Kessel into the lineup on the right. Alternatively, if Schaefer remains on the right, the team might need to call up Isaiah George or Kashawn Aitcheson to play on the left side.
Beyond immediate roster adjustments, Romanov's injury has significant implications for his future with the team, particularly concerning his full no-trade clause set to activate on July 1 of the following year. Darche must decide whether Romanov, with a $6.25 million annual salary extending through 2033, is a core player before that date. The league's interest in Romanov, especially given his salary potentially making him an attractive top-four defenseman, could now be diminished. With limited games played over the past two seasons due to injuries, other teams may be hesitant to acquire him under a long-term contract, leaving the Islanders with questions about his long-term value and potential trade prospects.