Alexander Romanov is set to make his long-awaited return when the New York Islanders face the New York Rangers in their third preseason game of the year.
The Islanders already have one win over their rivals in the bag. Earlier in the week at Madison Square Garden, they erased a 3-0 deficit and came away with a 4-3 comeback victory. This meeting comes with a younger lineup in place, though a handful of veterans are still dressing, including Romanov.
For Romanov, this is more than just another exhibition game. It will be his first appearance for the Islanders since Nov. 18, 2025, when he suffered a season-ending injury to his right shoulder.
"Just excited to play my first game since I was injured," Romanov said, via Cory Wright of NHL.com. "Right now, doesn't matter if it's a preseason game, [Iām] not worried because we're going to play our preseason game exactly like how we're going to play in season."
The return matters for the player and for the team. General manager Mathieu Darche made Romanov his first major move with the franchise when he signed the defenseman to a long-term extension, showing real faith in him from the jump.
That faith has not paid off yet. Romanov struggled to produce over 15 games last season before going down, but he does have three straight seasons of 20-plus points on his resume heading into the 2025-26 disappointment. Now he gets a chance to reset.
Romanov said the bigger goal is simply getting back into the rhythm of the game.
"I just want to come back and feel how it feels to be a hockey player and play a game because when you miss almost all year, you miss the game, and I want to just come back and be the best I can," Romanov said.
His role will be worth watching beyond this night, too. The Islanders are carrying plenty of left-shot defensemen, including first-round picks Matthew Schaefer, Kashawn Aitcheson and Malte Gustafsson from the last two drafts. Schaefer has already shown he can handle the right side, giving head coach Peter DeBoer more options when he starts sorting out the blue line.
Romanov was asked to arrive at camp in top condition and ready to go, and by all indications, he has done exactly that. He should get his first look back alongside Matt Kessel, Ryan Pulock, Isaiah George, Aitcheson and Tony DeAngelo against the Rangers.
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