Alexander Romanov aims to prove he was worth long-term NY Islanders extension

""Obviously so happy," Romanov said before making his preseason debut in Tuesday's 6-2 loss to the Devils. "But you got to prove that you're responsible to play at this high level for the next eight years. We're not only talking about this year, next year. All eight years." So what does that mean in practice? For Romanov, it's simple: "Just play hard. Hardest hockey I ever played. Go all out.""

"That blue-collar approach has defined Romanov since the Islanders acquired him in a 2022 draft-day deal with Montreal. At the time, the vision was pairing him long-term with Noah Dobson. But the landscape shifted this past summer: both were due for new contracts and the Islanders also used the No. 1 overall pick on defenseman Matthew Schaefer. In the end, Dobson went to the Canadiens, while Romanov signed his extension to remain a cornerstone of the Isles' future."

Alexander Romanov, 25, signed an eight-year, $50 million extension with the New York Islanders, giving him job security on Long Island while emphasizing accountability across the full term. Romanov insists on sustained high-level play for all eight years and commits to an intense, blue-collar approach, saying he will "play hard" and "go all out." The Islanders acquired Romanov in a 2022 draft-day deal and initially envisioned pairing him with Noah Dobson, though Dobson departed this summer. The team selected Matthew Schaefer with the No. 1 pick, and Romanov praised Schaefer's NHL-ready play. Romanov's role will blend veteran steadiness, intensity, and mentorship for younger defensemen.

Read at Eyes On Isles