{"id":557160,"date":"2026-04-21T10:07:56","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T10:07:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/557160\/"},"modified":"2026-04-21T10:07:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T10:07:56","slug":"ny-islanders-need-alexander-romanov-back-healthy-to-fix-defensive-issues-next-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/557160\/","title":{"rendered":"NY Islanders need Alexander Romanov back healthy to fix defensive issues next season"},"content":{"rendered":"

For Alexander Romanov, this season didn\u2019t end on the ice \u2014 and that\u2019s what made it so difficult.<\/p>\n

After battling injuries, Romanov was forced to watch from the sidelines down the stretch as the New York Islanders fought \u2014 and ultimately failed \u2014 to secure a playoff spot.<\/p>\n

\u201cDisgusting. It\u2019s terrible,\u201d Romanov said of being unable to play. \u201cIt\u2019s really tough to just watch hockey all season long and just practicing and rehabbing.\u201d<\/p>\n

The physical toll of the injury was one thing. The mental challenge of being removed from the lineup was another. Romanov admitted he was close to returning and believes he would have been ready if the Islanders had reached the postseason.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was pretty close\u2026 I probably would play the playoffs if we would make it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Instead, his focus now shifts to a full recovery \u2014 and a fresh start next season.<\/p>\n

Romanov made it clear he expects to be ready for training camp, with time on his side to continue strengthening his shoulder and refining his overall game.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah, for sure\u2026 I\u2019m about to be ready right now,\u201d he said. \u201cI have a lot of time to just keep working.\u201d<\/p>\n

His return will be significant for a team that lacked consistency on the back end, particularly during critical moments late in the season. Romanov brings a physical presence and edge to the back end, but needs to improve to add the defensive reliability that the Islanders missed when it mattered most.<\/p>\n

Even from the sidelines, he saw how much the team relied on goaltender Ilya Sorokin.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was a savior\u2026 probably the best goalie in the league right now,\u201d Romanov said. \u201cWe wouldn\u2019t be in our spot without him.\u201d<\/p>\n

But next season, the Islanders will need more than elite goaltending.<\/p>\n

They\u2019ll need a healthy Romanov.<\/p>\n

With a new voice behind the bench in Peter DeBoer and a renewed focus heading into camp, Romanov believes the team can take a step forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think he knows what he\u2019s doing\u2026 I think he will improve this team a lot,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

For Romanov, the goal is simple: be back, be healthy, and be part of the solution \u2014 not watching from the outside.<\/p>\n

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