Sep 30, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov (28) warms up before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
New York Islanders defenseman Alex Romanov’s 2026-27 season is in jeopardy after suffering a torn ACL that requires surgery, the team announced Wednesday.
Romanov, who suffered the injury early in the third period of Tuesday night’s loss to the New York Rangers, will be out at least six to eight months, meaning the earliest he could return is April.
The injury hits keep coming for the 26-year-old. A severe shoulder injury that required surgery last season limited him to just 15 games. This season, he lasted all of three.
The extent of Romanov’s injury was unclear following Wednesday’s morning skate, though head coach Pete DeBoer expressed some hope that it was not that serious. A visit to the doctor, however, revealed that this will be a long-term issue.
Where this leaves the Islanders’ blue line moving forward remains to be seen. Romanov was serving on the left side of the second pairing alongside Ryan Pulock. Veteran seventh defenseman Scott Mayfield could draw into the lineup on his off-side, as could another reserve, Matthew Kessel.
The 22-year-old Isaiah George, who was in contention to make the roster out of camp, could be called up from AHL Hamilton, as he is a natural left-handed defenseman.
For more on Alex Romanov and the Islanders, visit AMNY.com
