Alexander Romanoff Secures Long-Term Deal
Alexander Romanoff has found long-term security on Long Island, as he signed an eight-year contract extension worth $50 million with the Islanders just two days before free agency began this summer.
The 25-year-old defenseman hasn’t let this enhance his attitude or approach to the game.
“I’m definitely very happy,” Romanoff shared with the Post prior to his first preseason game, which ended in a 6-2 loss against the Devils on Tuesday night. “But, you know, you have to show that you’re responsible enough to play at a high level for the next eight years. It’s not just about this year or the next; it’s about all eight.”
So, what does that entail for him?
“I simply play hard,” Romanoff said. “This is the hardest hockey I’ve ever played. I’m all in.”
This commitment seems fitting, given that Romanoff arrived on Long Island from Montreal under a contract from the 2022 draft day.
There was a sense that he and Noah Dobson would form a strong top pairing, and for a time, that plan seemed to be in motion.
Both were set to become restricted free agents in the same summer, so the Islanders were keen to retain both, especially considering the first overall draft choice was defenseman Matthew Schaefer. That made long-term planning a bit easier.
While Dobson ended up in Montreal, Romanoff remains. As things unfold, he and Schaefer are expected to complete two-thirds of the left side of the Islanders’ defense until 2033.
“He’s an outstanding player,” Romanoff remarked about Schaefer. “What struck me is that, despite his age, he shows no noticeable difference when compared to NHL players. It’s like he’s already had NHL experience.”
Kashawn Aitcheson is the only Islander who played in both preseason games so far; he recently returned to the lineup after suffering a knee hit from Flyers defender Noah Juulsen.
“It was just a hit on my knees,” Aitcheson described. “It hurt a bit, but I’m okay now.”
Marshall Warren was brought to New Jersey as a backup defenseman, just in case Aitcheson couldn’t play.
Coach Patrick Roy mentioned that Anthony Duclair is expected to make his preseason debut at Madison Square Garden on Thursday. However, that hinges on how well the winger feels after a premature return from a groin injury that sidelined him last year.
“When he is ready, he has to be at 100%,” Roy stated.
When discussing his father, John McLean, Kyle McLean downplayed any concerns, saying, “It’s not a big deal,” even though his dad is no longer part of the Islanders’ coaching team.
“It’s beneficial for both of us; establishing our own paths seems like a good idea,” Kyle McLean added. “It’s just business. We understand that, and I believe he does too.”
In another note, forward Daylan Küffler left the game in the first period due to an upper body injury. After the match, Roy provided no updates on his condition.
