The New York Islanders Strengthen Defense
The New York Islanders have solidified their defense as they continue to maneuver through a busy offseason. After acquiring the coveted first overall selection, Matthew Schaefer, at the 2025 NHL Draft, the team has taken a significant step by announcing a new eight-year contract for defenseman Alexander Romanov on Monday. This deal, which totals $50 million, translates to an average annual value of $6.25 million, as reported by league insiders including Chris Johnston.
Investment in Romanov
This decision marks a pivotal investment in Romanov, who has been a vital part of the Islanders’ defensive lineup, especially after the recent trade that sent Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens. In exchange for the young right-shot defenseman, the Islanders received forward Emil Heineman along with picks 16 and 17 in this year’s draft. Dobson’s exit opens a new chapter for the Islanders’ defensive strategy, as he secured an eight-year extension with Montreal, valued at a $9.5 million average annual salary.
Romanov’s Performance and Background
At just 25 years old, Romanov has established himself as a robust presence on the ice, having teamed with Dobson on the Islanders’ premier defensive pairing for the past three seasons. During the recent 2024-25 season, Romanov contributed with four goals and amassed 20 points, showcasing his ability to complement the team’s defensive skills. Notably, he led all Islanders defensemen in blocked shots (165) and hits (147) while averaging 22:18 of ice time.
Originally a second-round pick by the Canadiens in the 2018 Draft, Romanov spent his formative years with Montreal before joining the Islanders through a three-way deal that included Chicago in 2022. Following the trade involving Dobson, the Islanders utilized their newfound draft picks to select right winger Victor Eklund and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson.
Strategic Importance of Retaining Romanov
In light of Dobson’s absence, it was crucial for the Islanders to retain Romanov, especially considering the pressure on newcomer Schaefer, who will only be 18 in September. The team aims to avoid putting too much on his shoulders too soon; Romanov’s experience and consistent play will be essential on a defense that, although anchored by veterans Ryan Pulock, Adam Pelech, and Scott Mayfield, is aging, as all three are 30 or older and locked into contracts for at least the next four seasons.
Contract Details and Future Outlook
This extension for Romanov strategically encompasses what would have been two years of restricted free agency and spans six unrestricted free agency years. The contract is reflective of the current market for reliable shutdown defenders, serving as a comparable to players such as Jaccob Slavin and Gustav Forsling. Notably, despite Romanov’s lack of offensive flair compared to other defensemen, he offers the Islanders a dependable and steady defensive anchor for the coming years.
As the NHL’s free agency period approaches, the Islanders are in a favorable position with approximately $14.69 million in cap space following this extension, setting the stage for further potential acquisitions to enhance the roster.
