Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov shoulder surgery five to six months: A devastating blow to New York's blue line

The New York Islanders announced that defenseman Alexander Romanov underwent right shoulder surgery and will miss five to six months, a setback that could extend through the regular season and into a potential playoff run. Romanov suffered the injury during a controversial boarding incident late in Tuesday’s 3-2 win against the Dallas Stars. He was placed on injured reserve the following day and later confirmed to require surgery.

Through 15 games this season, Romanov had one assist and averaged 19:27 of ice time, along with 31 hits and 31 blocked shots. His absence strains the Islanders’ defensive depth as they sit in second place in the Metropolitan Division, having won seven of their last nine games.

Coach Patrick Roy commented on the situation, emphasizing that you cannot replace a player like Romanov and that others will need to step up. The team identified internal candidates such as Adam Boqvist and Marshall Warren to fill the void, with Travis Mitchell recalled as emergency depth.

The incident involved Mikko Rantanen receiving a five-minute boarding penalty and game misconduct; the NHL Department of Player Safety did not impose additional discipline beyond the ejection. Rantanen later received a separate one-game suspension for a different incident.

Romanov is in the first season of an eight-year, $50 million contract with an average annual value of $6.25 million. LTIR relief could provide cap flexibility, potentially enabling external acquisitions. The Islanders have currently 28 points and are positioned for a potential playoff push, but the salary cap remains a consideration in any roster moves.

Patrick Roy’s defensive system will need to adapt, redistributing Romanov’s 19:27 average ice time among remaining defensemen, with veterans like Scott Mayfield and Adam Pelech likely absorbing more minutes. Boqvist’s offensive skill set could offer a different dimension, though he must uphold defensive responsibilities. The team’s transition game may also need to adjust as they navigate without Romanov.

Despite the setback, the Islanders aim to maintain momentum with internal depth and strategic roster management. The coming months will test whether the team can sustain success and pursue Stanley Cup contention without one of their top-four defensemen.