Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images When the New York Islanders announced on Monday that Alexander Romanov had signed an eight-year contract extension, they weren’t just making another offseason move—they were making a clear statement about their future. Romanov, 25, has become one of the team’s most reliable and physical defensemen since arriving from Montreal in 2022, leading the Islanders in blocked shots last season. As Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes once put it, trading Romanov was “very difficult,” a sign of the value he’s brought everywhere he’s played. Now the Islanders are betting big that Romanov will anchor their defense for years to come.
Why the New York Islanders are betting on Alexander Romanov with an eight-year, $6.25 million-per-season commitment
Alexander Romanov’s new deal, reported to carry an average annual value of $6.25 million according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, is designed to secure the Islanders’ blue line deep into the next decade. Last season, he logged over 22 minutes of ice time per game—the highest of his career—while finishing with a positive plus-minus rating for the third straight year. He also tallied 20 points in 64 games, scoring four goals and adding 16 assists.Since joining the Islanders in 2022, Romanov has brought a blend of grit and reliability, leading team defensemen with 147 hits and pacing the entire squad with 165 blocked shots this past season. That kind of physical presence has made him indispensable on the back end and a natural candidate for a long-term commitment from management.
How Alexander Romanov transformed from a Montreal Canadiens prospect to a key New York Islanders defender
Alexander Romanov’s path to New York Islanders started with the Montreal Canadiens, who selected him 38th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft. After playing two seasons in the KHL, he signed a three-year, entry-level deal on July 13, 2020, and debuted with the Canadiens in the COVID-shortened 2020–21 season, appearing in 54 of 56 regular-season games.Though he saw limited playoff action, Romanov still carved out a memorable moment by becoming the youngest defenseman in Canadiens history to score in the Stanley Cup Final on July 5, 2021. A year later, on July 7, 2022, Montreal traded him along with a fourth-round pick to the Islanders in exchange for the 13th overall selection in the draft—a move that Hughes described as “very difficult” but necessary to land centerman Kirby Dach.
Why Alexander Romanov’s eight-year deal could redefine the New York Islanders’ future
Beyond his NHL experience, Romanov has also shone internationally. At the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship in Canada, he anchored Russia’s defense, finishing with one goal and seven assists on the way to a bronze medal, and earning Best Defenseman honors from the IIHF Directorate.Monday’s extension reflects the Islanders’ confidence in Romanov as a central figure in their plans, especially as they reshape their roster following the recent trade of Noah Dobson to Montreal. By committing to Romanov for eight more years, New York is investing in toughness, experience, and leadership on the blue line—hoping he will be the cornerstone of their defense for seasons to come.Also Read: Why pursuing Mikael Granlund could be a high-risk gamble for the Montreal Canadiens