Today, the New York Islanders agreed on a contract extension to keep around a key player on their defensive unit for the last three seasons. That player is former Montreal Canadiens second-round draft pick from 2018, defenceman Alexander Romanov. After his third season with the Islanders, he has agreed to return to the team for the next eight years at $6.25 million per season. This deal on the dollar amount is still just a report by Elliotte Freidman, but we will update once its confirmed. However, the signing itself is finalized.
NYI and Alexander Romanov are working on an 8 x $6.25M extension
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 30, 2025
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Alexander Romanov Contract Signed to Stay with The Islanders
The 25-year-old Romanov was acquired by the Islanders on draft night in 2022. Since then, he has been an important part of their team. He is trusted by his coaching staff and has improved year to year. That trust is shown as his time on ice has increased each year since he arrived from 19:27 in 2022 up to a career high 22:18 this past year. He has made good on that trust as he has been a plus player every year he’s been here. In the 2023-24 season, he showed just how important he was to the team, having his best season on the Island. He appeared in 81 games, only scoring 22 points, but he was strong defensively.
Last season, he emerged as a true No. 1 defenceman for Patrick Roy, playing smart, sound and physical defensive hockey. He spent a lot of time next to Noah Dobson as the top defensive unit. That’ll change after the Dobson trade, but not the club’s confidence in Romanov. However, he was slowed by injuries, only appearing in 64 games. In those games, he had 20 points ( Four goals, 16 assists). He never lights it up with points, only recording a high of 22 points in the three seasons. His value comes from his defensive play. In what was only a so-so season for him, one positive was he showed signs of an improved offensive game. Playing with Dobson helped him generate offence off the rush, and he showed an impressive ability to get the puck through from the point.
What It Means
The retention of Romanov shows a commitment to continuing to have a strong defensive presence. It also shows the vision for Mathieu Darche in how he wants to build the roster. Emphasizing building around the young core players already on the team. This kind of signing also probably signifies that the Islanders will be looking at forwards in free agency. This team desperately needs offensive help, as they finished last season 27th in the league in goals. Taking care of your blueline is important too. The defence kept their season afloat for longer than it should’ve. Romanov was a big part of that, and that’s why he earned this new contract.
EIGHT MORE FOR ROMY
The @NYIslanders have signed Alexander Romanov to an eight-year deal! pic.twitter.com/ns1N0VCE1t
— NHL (@NHL) June 30, 2025
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Main photo by: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The post The New York Islanders Keep Key Defensive Piece appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.