Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov undergoes shoulder surgery, out 5-6 months

The New York Islanders received devastating news when defenseman Alexander Romanov underwent right shoulder surgery that will sideline him for five to six months following a dangerous boarding incident. The injury occurred during the final minute of regulation in Tuesday’s game against the Dallas Stars, leaving the team without one of its key blue-line contributors for the majority of the season. Romanov, who had to be helped off the ice after the collision, was placed on injured reserve the following day, creating a significant void in the Islanders’ defensive corps.

At just 25 years old, Romanov had established himself as a crucial component of New York’s defense, logging substantial ice time and bringing physicality to every shift. His absence represents more than just a loss of talent—it removes a player who had recently committed his long-term future to the organization with an eight-year, $50 million contract signed last summer. The timeline of his recovery means Romanov could potentially miss the remainder of the regular season and any playoff run, forcing the Islanders to adapt their defensive strategy significantly.

How the injury happened: the Mikko Rantanen hit that changed everything

The incident that ended Romanov’s season unfolded with just 28 seconds remaining in the third period of New York’s 3-2 victory over Dallas. As Romanov retrieved the puck behind his own net, Stars forward Mikko Rantanen delivered a crushing blow from behind, driving the defenseman headfirst into the boards. The violent collision immediately drew a five-minute boarding penalty and game misconduct for Rantanen, who was ejected from the contest.

Video replays showed Romanov in a vulnerable position when Rantanen initiated contact, with his numbers clearly visible to the oncoming forward. The impact caused Romanov’s right shoulder to absorb the brunt of the collision against the boards, resulting in damage severe enough to require surgical intervention. Islanders captain Anders Lee and several teammates immediately confronted Rantanen after the play, demonstrating the frustration and concern within the New York bench.

Coach Patrick Roy’s reaction captured the emotion of the moment. The usually measured bench boss was visibly furious, yelling at Rantanen as the Dallas player exited through the tunnel between the benches. Roy’s post-game comments revealed the severity of the situation even before the official diagnosis was announced, as medical staff attended to Romanov on the ice for several minutes before helping him to the locker room.

The controversy surrounding the hit

Mikko Rantanen’s explanation for the hit has done little to quell debate among hockey analysts and fans. The Stars forward claimed he never intended to injure Romanov, telling reporters, “I’ve never done that my whole career. I play hard, but I never try to be dirty on purpose. I think I got clipped a little bit, and then he [fell] forward. Unfortunate moment, but I never really meant to do it. Hopefully he’s not too bad.”

Rantanen’s assertion that he was clipped by Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield, causing him to raise his arms for balance, has been met with skepticism. Stars coach Glen Gulutzan defended his player by echoing this claim, suggesting the contact was accidental rather than malicious. However, the league’s response—or lack thereof—has raised eyebrows. Despite the dangerous nature of the hit, the NHL Department of Player Safety did not issue additional discipline beyond the in-game penalties.

Ironically, Rantanen found himself in hot water again just days later, receiving an automatic one-game suspension for boarding Calgary Flames forward Matt Coronato on Saturday. The back-to-back incidents have painted a troubling picture for a player in his first full season with Dallas after being traded twice last year.

Impact on the Islanders: rebuilding the blue line without Romanov

The loss of Alexander Romanov for five to six months creates a cascading effect throughout the Islanders’ defensive pairings. With 31 hits and 31 blocked shots in just 15 games, Romanov had established himself as a two-way defender who could be relied upon in all situations. His average ice time of 19:27 per game reflected the trust coach Roy placed in him, particularly in penalty killing and late-game defensive scenarios.

The timing compounds the challenge, as the Islanders recently lost center Jean-Gabriel Pageau to an upper-body injury that has him listed as week-to-week. Facing multiple key absences simultaneously tests the organization’s depth and forces difficult roster decisions. General manager Lou Lamoriello now faces pressure to potentially seek external help if the current replacements struggle to fill the void.

Coach Roy has already identified the internal candidates to absorb Romanov’s minutes. Adam Boqvist stands as the primary option, having shown flashes of offensive potential from the back end. The coaching staff hopes Boqvist can maintain his recent strong play while taking on increased responsibility. Additionally, 18-year-old rookie Matthew Schaefer has exceeded expectations early in his career, providing a silver lining as the team navigates these injuries.

Defensive depth put to the test

The Islanders’ blueline depth will face its sternest examination in the coming months. Marshall Warren, who has shown promise in limited action, now becomes a critical piece of the puzzle. His ability to step into a regular role could determine whether New York needs to explore trade options or can rely on internal development.

The defensive scheme may also require adjustment. Romanov’s speed and physicality allowed the Islanders to play an aggressive style, particularly on the penalty kill. Without his presence, assistant coaches may need to implement more conservative structures to protect their remaining defenders from overexposure. The team’s strong positioning in the Metropolitan Division—currently second place with a 13-8-2 record—provides some cushion, but every point becomes precious as the playoff race intensifies.

Recovery timeline: what five to six months means for Romanov’s season

A five-to-six-month recovery timeline positions Romanov’s potential return squarely in the heart of the Stanley Cup playoffs, should the Islanders qualify. If his rehabilitation proceeds without complications, the earliest return would come in late April or early May—precisely when the postseason reaches its most critical junctures. However, returning from major shoulder surgery and immediately jumping into playoff intensity presents its own risks.

The rehabilitation process for shoulder surgery typically involves multiple phases. Initially, Romanov will focus on rest and allowing the surgical repair to heal, followed by gradual introduction of range-of-motion exercises. Strength building comes next, with sport-specific drills not beginning until medical clearance is granted. For a hockey player, regaining shoulder stability is paramount, as checking, battling along the boards, and shooting all place significant stress on the joint.

The Islanders’ training staff will likely take a conservative approach with their long-term investment. Rushing a player back from shoulder surgery risks re-injury and could compromise his effectiveness for years to come. With five-plus seasons remaining on his contract, prioritizing Romanov’s long-term health over a potential playoff return represents the smart organizational decision.

Historical comparisons for shoulder surgery recoveries

NHL history provides several comparable cases for Romanov’s situation. Defensemen like Ryan Ellis and Seth Jones have missed similar timeframes following shoulder procedures, with varying degrees of success upon return. The key factor often becomes the player’s ability to regain confidence in physical situations—a mental hurdle that can take longer to clear than the physical healing.

Modern surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols have improved outcomes significantly compared to decades past. However, the reality remains that shoulder injuries for defensemen require complete healing, as their position demands constant physical engagement. Romanov’s aggressive playing style makes full recovery even more critical before he returns to game action.

What this means for the Islanders’ championship aspirations

The Romanov injury tests the Islanders’ reputation as a resilient, next-man-up organization. With seven wins in their past nine games before the news broke, the team had built momentum and positioned itself as a legitimate playoff contender. Maintaining that trajectory without a top-four defenseman requires exceptional performance from role players and possibly strategic additions before the trade deadline.

Lou Lamoriello’s history suggests he will exhaust internal options before pursuing trades. However, the Atlantic Division/Metropolitan Division playoff structure means every lost point could prove costly. If Boqvist, Warren, and the current roster struggle to compensate for Romanov’s absence, the GM may need to explore the rental market for defensive depth.

From a locker room perspective, the team must channel the emotion of losing a teammate into positive energy. Captain Anders Lee and the leadership group will emphasize controlling what they can control—effort, preparation, and execution. The anger over how the injury occurred could serve as motivation, but it must be channeled productively rather than leading to undisciplined play.

Could this define the Islanders’ season?

Championship teams often point to adversity as a defining factor in their success. The 2019 St. Louis Blues and 2012 Los Angeles Kings both overcame significant injuries to key players during their Cup runs. The Islanders now face a similar test of their organizational depth and character. How they respond to losing Alexander Romanov for five to six months could ultimately determine whether this season is remembered as a stepping stone or a missed opportunity.

The development of young players thrust into larger roles could pay dividends beyond this season. If Matthew Schaefer or Marshall Warren proves capable of handling increased responsibility, the Islanders may discover they have more organizational depth than previously believed. This injury, while devastating in the short term, might accelerate the development of future core players.

The road ahead remains challenging but not insurmountable. With strong goaltending, solid team defense, and a coach who has instilled a clear identity, the Islanders possess the tools to weather this storm. The next few months will reveal whether their foundation is strong enough to support a playoff run without one of their most important defensive pillars. For Alexander Romanov, the focus shifts to rehabilitation and returning stronger for the 2026-27 season, when he can once again anchor the blue line for a team that will desperately need his physical presence and two-way reliability.