Islanders fans might not have seen the last of Alexander Romanov

The crushing news that the New York Islanders and Alexander Romanov got this season is nothing short of devastating.

Losing Romanov for the season is positively Dickensian. The 26-year-old came back from a horrific shoulder injury last season to regain his place in the Islanders’ blue line.

And then, a torn ACL ended his season prematurely.

It might also be the sort of injury that could essentially end the Russian defenseman’s career.

Two massive injuries like this are enough to completely derail a professional athlete’s career. They can have lingering effects to where playing at the insanely high level that the NHL requires may be easier said than done.

That’s why Islanders fans may have seen the last of Romanov. Last year’s shoulder injury, plus this year’s knee situation, could be enough to force him into retirement.

Some players have not been able to come back after lesser injuries.

While here's hoping that Romanov can overcome another tough injury, surgery, and rehab, the question is: Is it realistic to expect Romanov to return to the ice?

The answer is that it’s too soon to tell.

Romanov has the chance to prove everyone wrong

Alexander Romanov has the opportunity to prove everyone wrong. He can take a page out of Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog’s book.

Landeskog suffered a devastating knee injury that kept him off the ice for three years. He came back during the 2025 playoffs to provide his team with a boost. He played 60 games last season and earned the Bill Masterton Trophy for his dedication and perseverance in getting back on the ice.

That could very well be the path forward for Romanov.

It might be a while until we see the second-round pick get back on the ice. But his courage and determination to play could be enough to prove everyone wrong.

Yes, there are many who have pretty much written him off. And if his body can’t respond to the demands to playing NHL hockey, well, it might be best for him to prioritize his health.

But that’s what many said about Landeskog.

The 33-year-old proved everyone wrong. And that’s what Romanov can do.

With the marvels of modern medical treatments, wouldn’t it be amazing to see Romanov return for the playoffs? Imagine the Islanders heading into the second or third playoff rounds and seeing Romanov get back on the ice.

That would be a fantastic boost. We’ve seen miraculous recoveries like that in the past. So, who’s to say we can’t see one more?

Here’s hoping that Alexander Romanov is not done yet. He’s still very young (I’m way older than he is) and has plenty of runway for a successful NHL career.

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