Romanov Returning in “Unbelievable Shape” for Islanders

For Alexander Romanov, returning from last year’s season-ending shoulder injury wasn’t enough.

With 10 months to focus on rehab and recovery, the New York Islanders defenseman was determined to come back in better shape than before – accepting a challenge from the team to be in peak condition come Training Camp.

By all accounts, he did. Islanders GM and EVP Mathieu Darche called Romanov a “star” in terms of preseason conditioning and the defenseman looked and felt spry after two fast-paced practices.

"[I] feel good," Romanov said, following the first day of Islanders Training Camp. "Intensive practice, but I'm not exhausted or something. I feel good."

Romanov suffered a right shoulder injury that required surgery when he was hit by Mikko Rantanen on Nov. 18, 2025, forcing him to sit out for the remainder of the season. As the kind of energetic and enthusiastic guy who wants to play every day, sitting on the sidelines was frustrating.

"It was tough, and a little annoying just to watch hockey when you can do only bike sessions,” Romanov said. "It kind of annoyed me."

Romanov turned frustration into motivation as he focused on getting back on the ice, keying in on getting into good shape.

"After the injury, I thought about my reload," Romanov said. "Come back in great shape and just keep going, forget what was in the past and just put everything to have a good start and just keep going."

The change was noticeable: Islanders Head Coach Pete DeBoer saw the difference in Romanov when he arrived at Training Camp this season.

"Came in unbelievable shape," DeBoer said. "He's lighter. He's quicker. I love his physicality like everybody does. At the same time, he can really skate. He's hard to play against. He has top four upside, and it's on us to make sure that we bring that out."

That physicality is important in the Isles' lineup. Since the 2022-23 season, Romanov leads Islanders defensemen with 533 hits across 236 games.

Throughout the rehab process, Romanov learned more about his body and what he needs to do to come into the season in the best physical shape possible.

"I learned that I have to be better disciplined with the food," Romanov said. "I just feel better right now and feeling like I'm not getting tired."

Romanov was not alone in his rehabbing process. Islanders goaltender, Semyon Varlamov, spent the entirety of last season rehabbing from double partial knee replacements. The two motivated each other to get back on the ice as they spent time together last season.

"He really inspired me because he didn't give up and why should anyone," Romanov said of Varlamov.

Romanov's motivation to return spoke to his teammates in the locker room. Scott Mayfield, who Romanov has skated with early in camp, spoke for the group when saying Romanov’s return was a welcome one.

"I think that Romy is a big physical d-man," Mayfield said. "Something I think we could have used a little bit last year, so it was tough when we lost him… He looks great. I know he put in the work with his rehab and all that stuff, so it’s been good so far.”