Alexander Romanov right shoulder surgery miss five to six months: Islanders defense timeline and impact

New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov will miss the remainder of the regular season and potentially a significant portion of any playoff run after undergoing right shoulder surgery. The team announced the five-to-six month timeline on November 23, 2025, following a devastating hit from Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen during a game in Texas last Tuesday. The injury occurred in the final minute of regulation, leaving Romanov unable to leave the ice without assistance and immediately raising concerns about the severity of the damage.

The 25-year-old Russian blueliner had been a cornerstone of the Islanders’ defensive corps since arriving in a 2022 draft-day trade with Montreal. His absence creates a significant void on New York’s back end, testing the team’s depth at a critical juncture in the season as they battle for position in the tightly contested Eastern Conference wild-card race.

The play that changed everything

The injury transpired during the closing moments of regulation in Dallas, when Rantanen delivered a hit from behind that sent Romanov crashing awkwardly into the boards. Replays showed the Islanders defender in a vulnerable position, unable to protect himself as contact drove his right shoulder directly into the wall. Coach Patrick Roy’s immediate reaction spoke volumes about the gravity of the situation, with the bench boss visibly screaming at Rantanen as he exited through the tunnel between benches.

Controversy surrounding the hit

While Rantanen received a five-minute boarding major and game misconduct on the play, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety declined to issue additional supplemental discipline for the Romanov incident. Stars coach Glen Gulutzan offered a unique defense of his player, suggesting that Rantanen’s skate had been clipped by Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield moments before impact, causing him to raise his arms for balance and inadvertently make dangerous contact.

Rantanen himself claimed no malicious intent, stating he never meant to injure Romanov. However, the automatic one-game suspension he received on Sunday for a separate hit on Calgary’s Matt Coronato—his second game misconduct before reaching 41 consecutive clean games—triggered under Rule 23.6. This pattern of dangerous plays has drawn scrutiny from fans and analysts examining the league’s enforcement standards.

Romanov’s value to the Islanders lineup

The timing of this injury proves particularly painful given Romanov’s recent commitment to the franchise. This past summer, he inked an eight-year, $50 million contract extension that runs through 2033, carrying a $6.25 million annual cap hit. The deal represented a significant investment in a player the organization envisioned anchoring their defense for the better part of a decade.

What the stats say

Through 15 games this season, Romanov had recorded one assist and averaged over 19 minutes of ice time per night. His impact extends far beyond the scoresheet, however. Known for his physical, hard-hitting style and ability to disrupt opposing forwards, Romanov ranked among the team’s leaders in blocked shots and hits. His speed and mobility also allowed him to jump into the rush, creating offensive opportunities that don’t always register as points but generate scoring chances.

Coach Patrick Roy emphasized the irreplaceable nature of Romanov’s skill set after the diagnosis. “He’s not happy,” Roy said. “We have to move on. We don’t replace a player like that.” The comment underscores the challenge facing New York’s coaching staff as they attempt to fill the gap left by their injured rearguard.

Who steps up in Romanov’s absence

The Islanders have already begun shuffling their defensive pairs to compensate for the loss. Roy indicated that Adam Boqvist and Marshall Warren would see increased responsibilities in Romanov’s stead. Boqvist, a 24-year-old Swedish defenseman, has shown flashes of offensive ability but lacks Romanov’s physical edge. Warren, recently recalled from Bridgeport, represents a younger option still adjusting to the NHL pace.

Internal depth chart shakeup

The anticipated pairings moving forward feature:

• Ryan Pulock and Noah Dobson remaining as the top duo
• Scott Mayfield paired with Boqvist on the second unit
• Matthew Schaefer, the 18-year-old phenom, anchoring the third pair with either Mayfield or Boqvist

Schaefer’s emergence as the first-overall pick in the 2025 draft provides a silver lining. His exceptional poise for a teenager has impressed veterans like Romanov, who noted before his injury that “for his age, I don’t see a big difference between him and NHL players. It looks like he already has NHL experience.” The rookie will now be thrust into an even larger role, accelerating his development timeline.

Salary cap implications and playoff roster questions

Romanov’s prolonged absence raises important questions about Long Island’s salary cap management and potential playoff roster construction. As of now, Romanov remains on injured reserve rather than long-term injured reserve (LTIR), though that designation could change depending on the team’s needs at the trade deadline.

The postseason compliance challenge

This situation becomes particularly complex under the NHL’s new playoff roster rules. The updated collective bargaining agreement stipulates that the 20-man roster that dresses for each postseason game must be salary cap compliant. If the Islanders place Romanov on LTIR and add salary at the deadline—perhaps acquiring a rental defenseman—they could face a difficult dilemma if Romanov becomes healthy enough to return in April or May.

A five-to-six month recovery window puts a potential return squarely in the middle of a postseason run. Should New York advance deep into the playoffs, they would need to either activate Romanov and shed salary elsewhere or keep him sidelined despite medical clearance. This scenario represents one of the first major test cases for the new regulation, and general manager Lou Lamoriello must carefully navigate these uncharted waters.

Recovery timeline and what it means for the Islanders season

The five-to-six month estimate for Romanov’s return sets up several possible scenarios for the Islanders. A five-month recovery would target late April, potentially allowing him to return for the second round of the playoffs if New York qualifies. A six-month timeline pushes his comeback to late May, which would mean missing the entire opening-round series and potentially more.

Historical context for shoulder surgery recoveries

NHL players recovering from significant shoulder surgery typically require extensive rehabilitation to regain full range of motion and strength. The process involves:

1. Initial immobilization period (4-6 weeks)
2. Gradual range of motion exercises
3. Strengthening phase lasting several months
4. Contact clearance and conditioning drills
5. Full return to gameplay

Rushing this process risks re-injury, meaning the Islanders must be patient even as they push for postseason success. The team’s medical staff will monitor Romanov’s progress closely, but the nature of the injury suggests a cautious approach benefits both player and franchise long-term.

Forward-looking perspective for New York’s playoff push

Romanov’s absence unquestionably weakens New York’s defensive depth during the stretch run, but the team’s positioning remains relatively strong. As of late November, the Islanders occupy the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, with a three-point cushion over Pittsburgh. Their ability to maintain this position likely depends on continued strong goaltending and the rapid development of young defenders like Schaefer.

The adversity could forge a tighter, more resilient group that rallies around the fallen teammate. Roy’s coaching pedigree emphasizes discipline and structure, systems that can help mask individual deficiencies. The Islanders must play a more conservative style, limiting high-risk plays and relying on their veteran core to stabilize the backend.

For Romanov, the long layoff represents a brutal setback after signing his extension. His determination to prove the investment worthwhile remains evident, and his recovery will be closely watched by an organization that has tied its future to his success. The silver lining: at 25 years old, time remains on his side, and modern sports medicine continues advancing shoulder injury outcomes. Fans can expect a fully motivated Romanov to return ready to play the hardest hockey of his career when his body allows.