Islanders’ Alexander Romanov Suffers Torn ACL, to Miss 6-8 Months

The New York Islanders announced that defenseman Alexander Romanov suffered a torn ACL in his right knee, sidelining him for six to eight months. Romanov sustained the injury during the third period against the New York Rangers following contact with Mika Zibanejad. The diagnosis requires surgery and is expected to sideline him for the remainder of the regular season.

This marks Romanov's second consecutive season cut short by major injury, having played just 15 games in 2025-26 prior to shoulder surgery. The Islanders are expected to re-insert veteran Scott Mayfield into the defensive lineup, while forward Mathew Barzal is scheduled to resume skating on Thursday following a lower-body injury.