NY Islanders need Alexander Romanov back healthy to fix defensive issues next season

For Alexander Romanov, this season didn’t end on the ice — and that’s what made it so difficult.

After battling injuries, Romanov was forced to watch from the sidelines down the stretch as the New York Islanders fought — and ultimately failed — to secure a playoff spot.

“Disgusting. It’s terrible,” Romanov said of being unable to play. “It’s really tough to just watch hockey all season long and just practicing and rehabbing.”

The physical toll of the injury was one thing. The mental challenge of being removed from the lineup was another. Romanov admitted he was close to returning and believes he would have been ready if the Islanders had reached the postseason.

“I was pretty close… I probably would play the playoffs if we would make it,” he said.

Instead, his focus now shifts to a full recovery — and a fresh start next season.

Romanov made it clear he expects to be ready for training camp, with time on his side to continue strengthening his shoulder and refining his overall game.

“Oh yeah, for sure… I’m about to be ready right now,” he said. “I have a lot of time to just keep working.”

His return will be significant for a team that lacked consistency on the back end, particularly during critical moments late in the season. Romanov brings a physical presence and edge to the back end, but needs to improve to add the defensive reliability that the Islanders missed when it mattered most.

Even from the sidelines, he saw how much the team relied on goaltender Ilya Sorokin.

“He was a savior… probably the best goalie in the league right now,” Romanov said. “We wouldn’t be in our spot without him.”

But next season, the Islanders will need more than elite goaltending.

They’ll need a healthy Romanov.

With a new voice behind the bench in Peter DeBoer and a renewed focus heading into camp, Romanov believes the team can take a step forward.

“I think he knows what he’s doing… I think he will improve this team a lot,” he said.

For Romanov, the goal is simple: be back, be healthy, and be part of the solution — not watching from the outside.

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