Good Morning, Islanders Country.
Alexander Romanov had already lost most of last season to a shoulder injury. The Islanders spent the summer talking about his return like it was an acquisition, because in a way, it was. He came back lighter, healthier, and like someone who used that time away to reset his game.
Three games later, he’s gone again.
Romanov tore the ACL in his right knee during Tuesday night’s loss to the Rangers and will undergo surgery, with the Islanders saying he’ll miss six to eight months. In practical terms, that means essentially the season.
That’s what makes this one sting beyond the obvious.
The Islanders weren’t just counting on Romanov to be healthy. They were counting on him to be part of the solution. A younger, mobile defenseman entering what should be the prime of his career, finally back after a lost year, with a real chance to stabilize the blue line.
Now they have to pivot again.
Logan Stanley will get more responsibility. Isaiah George is still there. Kashawn Aitcheson made a strong impression in camp. Those are the hockey answers.
But there’s also the human part. Whatever you felt about the Romanov, whatever you feel about the contract extension or his play, you feel for the player and the person. It has to be incredibly mentally taxing to go through this twice.
Romanov had already done the rehab. He had already worked his way back. He had already gotten through the long part.
And now he has to do it all over again.
Sometimes sports give you adversity. Sometimes it just piles on.
