Alexander Romanov showcased his offensive potential in 2023-24

The NY Islanders saw mixed results from their defensemen last season. During the Barry Trotz era, the Isles' defensemen played with a different style than under Lane Lambert. In particular, they were more focused on controlling the puck in their own zone and were aggressive forecheckers at the blue line. During Lambert's tenure, their style was altered to focus more on offense, which left Ilya Sorokin and Semyon Varlamov vulnerable. Suffice it to say, that the Islanders' defense never found their rhythm trying either style in 2023-24.

*Read our previously Published player report cards: Sebastian Aho | Mat Barzal | Samuel Bolduc | Casey Cizikas | Cal Clutterbuck | Noah Dobson | Pierre Engvall | Hudson Fasching | Simon Holmstrom | Bo Horvat | Anders Lee | Kyle MacLean | Matt Martin | Scott Mayfield | Brock Nelson | JG Pageau | Kyle Palmieri | Adam Pelech | Ryan Pulock | Mike Reilly

2023-24 NY Islanders player report card: Alexander Romanov

The one Islanders defenseman who noticeably improved their style on both ends of the ice was Alexander Romanov. Upon his arrival in 2022, the 24-year-old was best known for his aggressive forecheck against the glass and at the blue line. Before last season, Romanov had never scored more than 3 goals in a season and was not always trustworthy on the penalty kill. It seemed as if Lou Lamoriello traded their 2022 first-round draft pick for a one-dimensional player.

This all changed in the 2023-24 season. After injuries sidelined Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock last November, Lambert paired Romanov with Noah Dobson. To compensate for losing their two best defensemen, the two 24-year-olds were asked to play at least 24 minutes of ice time each game.

Romanov responded to this increased role with his best statistical season of his career. He scored a career-high of 7 goals with 15 assists while blocking 171 shots. The only statistic that declined was his hits, which fell from 198 in 2022-23 to 157 last season.

Romanov's forecheck declined under Lambert because he was asked to focus more on offense. However, Romanov's aggressiveness in the corners and at the blue line was reintroduced under Patrick Roy. The question then became, what happens to Romanov's offense once Roy's new defensive system is instituted?

Romanov has the potential to become a top defenseman in the NHL

The most impressive aspect of Romanov's game is that he never lost any offense once he was asked to forecheck the way he used to. The former second-round pick still recorded 5 assists in April while focusing more on protecting the Isles' goaltenders. He also blocked 14 shots playing in all 5 playoff games against the Carolina Hurricanes. 

If Romanov can control both ends of the ice next season, he has the potential to become a top defenseman in the NHL. This may sound progressive given we have seen the best and worst of Romanov, but he is still developing at 24 years old. Now paired on the blue line with Dobson, Romanov figures to see more chances at scoring goals next season. The question will surround his contract since Romanov will become an unrestricted free agent in 2025.