Surprising Islanders name floating around in trade market

The New York Islanders haven’t been overly active this offseason. While a couple of names have floated around the rumor, they have been just chatter for the most part.

But a surprising name hit the airwaves on Friday, just before the 2026 NHL Draft.

During an intro to the draft, the Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta made a truly interesting claim regarding an Islanders player making the rounds in the NHL trade market.

Pagnotta stated that defenseman Alexander Romanov is one name bouncing around trade conversations this offseason.

“One player I do look out for on the Island, defenseman Alexander Romanov. It sounds like his name is definitely floating around. We’ll see if any traction gains from that.”

Pagnotta’s comment came on the heels of talk involving Mathew Barzal. Pagnotta was quick to dismiss any talk of the Islanders’ forward going anywhere. But Pagnotta did bring up Romanov, which is certainly an interesting situation.

Now, it doesn’t sound like the Isles are actively looking to move him. If anything, it sounds like the team is just listening to the offers out there.

Romanov makes most sense as Islanders trade target

It’s worth pointing out that there could be some actual sense to the Romanov rumors. One thing to keep in mind is that the 26-year-old missed most of last season with a shoulder injury.

In that time, Matthew Schaefer emerged as the Islanders’ number-one defenseman, with Tony DeAngelo finding a significant foothold on the team. Plus, veterans Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech should continue being steady forces on the backend.

The thing about all of the aforementioned blueliners is that they have some type of trade protection. Even Scott Mayfield has a full no-trade clause.

Romanov is the only guy that doesn’t. 2026-27 is the last season he doesn’t have any trade protection, with a full no-trade clause kicking in for the 2027-28 season.

That situation makes him the ideal trade candidate for the Islanders. If the organization can get a worthwhile offer, clearing his $6.25 million cap hit would help target other areas. Plus, the move would also clear a lineup spot for other younger defenseman like Isaiah George.

It’s also worth noting that the organization has Kaishawn Aitcheson and Jesse Pulkkinen potentially seen some action at the NHL level this season. If that’s the case, the blue line could get crowded in Long Island this upcoming.

As for the likelihood of the trade, that’s another story. It’s not something that has to happen any time soon. But it does have to happen before Romanov’s no-trade clause kicks in. Otherwise, it would become extremely difficult for the Islanders to move him when they choose to.

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