Devastation for Alex Romanov with second season lost to injury

New York Islanders defenseman Alex Romanov will miss six to eight months after tearing his ACL, the team announced following Tuesday's loss to the New York Rangers. Romanov suffered the right knee injury during a collision with Mika Zibanejad. The setback marks the second consecutive season Romanov has suffered a major injury.

The long-term absence impacts the Islanders significantly, as Romanov previously signed an eight-year contract extension. His absence could lead to opportunities for younger defensemen or see healthy scratches Scott Mayfield and Matt Kessel enter the lineup.