Alexander Romanov (© Jean-Yves Ahern-Imagn Images)
The New York Islanders announced that former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexander Romanov is expected to undergo shoulder surgery and will be out for the next five to six months.
Romanov was injured during the Islanders’ November 18 game against the Dallas Stars after being hit from behind by Mikko Rantanen. Now, the Islanders have provided an update on Romanov, and it’s certainly tough news for the former Canadiens defenseman.
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Romanov is a key part of the Islanders’ blue line, so the Metropolitan Division club will now have to adjust to his absence from their lineup. In 15 games so far this season with the Islanders, Romanov has recorded one assist, 31 blocks and 31 hits. That’s after he recorded four goals, 20 points, 147 hits and 165 blocks in 64 games last season with the Islanders.
According to the Islanders’ update, Romanov’s first return is expected to be in late April, which would be the playoff period. However, if the former Canadiens defenseman needed six months to fully recover, that would leave him unavailable until the end of May.
Romanov was selected by the Canadiens with the 38th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. In 133 games spread over two seasons with the Canadiens from 2020-21 to 2021-22, he recorded four goals, 15 assists, 19 points, 204 blocks and 365 hits.
