Also: Bridgeport under relocation threat?
The New York Islanders have made their latest long-term blueline choice: After declining to meet Noah Dobson’s terms (which ended up being $9.5M annually) on a long-term deal and instead trading him to Montreal, the Isles reached an agreement with former Canadien Alex Romanov on an eight-year extension.
Salary was not disclosed by the team, but around the time of the announcement, Elliotte Friedman tweeted that it was in the neighborhood of $6.25M annually, a figure also listed at Puckpedia.
It’s a huge commitment to Romanov, 25, who does not provide much offense but plays a very physical style — and has already dealt with a number of injuries.
Romanov was a pending RFA, so this deal buys out his remaining RFA years and onward through 33. It also makes him the team’s highest-paid defenseman by a hair over Ryan Pulock.
Separately but also big news, a report saying the AHL will return to Hamilton, Ontario, suggests the Islanders’ affiliate in Bridgeport will be the mover.
Isles say no comment to @frank_seravalli report their AHL team may move from Bridgeport to Hamilton, Ont.
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) June 30, 2025
Nothing big happening, really…oh, and UFA season opens tomorrow!