NY Islanders' Alexander Romanov surprised by unexpected 8-year, $50M contract extension

After trading Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens on the same day as the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft, there was little doubt the NY Islanders were going to extend defenseman Alexander Romanov.

With his three-year, $2.5 million AAV deal set to expire, Mathieu Darche extended the bruising blue liner to an eight-year extension worth $50 million ($6.25 million AAV).

Romanov surprised by extension

The length of the deal and the annual cap hit came as a surprise to some, including Romanov.

“I wasn’t expecting anything longer than six, and I definitely didn’t expect this kind of number,” Romanov told Sergey Demidov of RG Media. “Now the main thing is to hit the ice and prove I’m worth it.”

Evident by his draft selections this year, Darche is looking to add more physicality to the Islanders' lineup, and they don’t come more physical than Romanov.

One of the most devastating bruisers along the blue line in all the NHL, Romanov is a force to be reckoned with, leaving the opposition to question their decisions any time they cut to the middle of the ice while staring down the big Russian.

Still just 25 years old, Romanov is coming into his prime years, and his new contract instills confidence that Darche sees him as a big part of the Islanders' future, and believes a contract of this magnitude will work out for the Islanders in the future. 

Despite rumors that he could be moved, Romanov is glad he’ll be spending the majority of his career on Long Island.

“I really like the guys on the team. The organization treats its players with a lot of care and respect — it’s rare to feel that kind of support from absolutely everyone, including the coaching staff,” Romanov said. “I also love where we are. Our fans are amazing, and I enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It’s close to New York but still quiet and comfortable.”