Islanders Defenseman Romanov Targets Playoff Return

Romanov could rejoin the lineup before the end of the regular season after recovering from shoulder surgery.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:35am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in shades of navy, orange, and white depicts the dynamic movements of a hockey defenseman, representing the Islanders' push for the playoffs.A cubist interpretation of an Islanders defenseman's return to action captures the team's determination to secure a playoff spot.NYC Today

New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov could return to the lineup before the end of the regular season, according to general manager Mathieu Darche. Romanov has been out since November 2025 after sustaining a shoulder injury that required surgery, causing him to miss the last 58 games. He will participate in full-contact practices this week and there is a chance he could play in the last game or two of the season.

Why it matters

Romanov's potential return would provide a much-needed boost to the Islanders' defensive depth as they push for a playoff spot in the final games of the regular season. His presence on the blue line could help solidify the team's defense and give them a better chance of securing a postseason berth.

The details

Romanov sustained the shoulder injury on November 18, 2025, during a game against the Dallas Stars. The injury required surgery, causing him to miss the last 58 games. After skating in non-contact practices, Romanov will now take part in full-contact practices this week, and there is a chance he could return for the last game or two of the regular season.

  • Romanov sustained the shoulder injury on November 18, 2025.
  • Romanov has been out since November 2025, missing the last 58 games.
  • Romanov will participate in full-contact practices this week.
  • The Islanders have four remaining regular-season games, starting on Thursday against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The players

Alexander Romanov

A 26-year-old defenseman for the New York Islanders who has been out since November 2025 due to a shoulder injury that required surgery.

Mathieu Darche

The general manager of the New York Islanders.

Peter DeBoer

The newly hired head coach of the New York Islanders.

Anders Lee

A top forward for the New York Islanders.

Bo Horvat

A top forward for the New York Islanders.

Anthony Duclair

A top forward for the New York Islanders.

Semyon Varlamov

A goaltender for the New York Islanders who is recovering from bilateral knee replacements but will not return this season.

Victor Eklund

A player from the Islanders' AHL affiliate Bridgeport who has been called up and has six points in four games since arriving from Sweden.

Mikko Rantanen

A player for the Dallas Stars who delivered the late-period hit that caused Romanov's shoulder injury.

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What they’re saying

“There is potentially a chance for the last game or two of the season that he might be back. This week is the first week he's going to do full practice with contact, so sometimes it takes a little while also to get back at it.”

— Mathieu Darche, General Manager, New York Islanders

What’s next

The Islanders will monitor Romanov's progress in full-contact practices this week to determine if he can return for the final one or two games of the regular season. His potential return could provide a boost to the team's defensive depth as they push for a playoff spot.

The takeaway

Romanov's potential return from a shoulder injury could be a timely boost for the Islanders as they look to secure a playoff spot in the final games of the regular season. His presence on the blue line would help solidify the team's defense and give them a better chance of making the postseason.