Romanov Returns to Islanders Camp Lighter After Shoulder Rehab
The defenseman skated in New York’s opening practices ten months after a season-ending shoulder injury, and Pete DeBoer sees renewed pace.
Alexander Romanov is back at New York Islanders training camp after a shoulder injury ended his 2025-26 season in November. His return has come with a change in conditioning that coach Pete DeBoer noticed in the opening practices.
"He's lighter. He's quicker," DeBoer told the team's website. The coach said Romanov still brings the physical play the Islanders value and has the skating ability to grow into a top-four role.
Romanov injured his right shoulder on Nov. 18, 2025, after a hit from Dallas forward Mikko Rantanen. He later had surgery and spent the rest of the season recovering. The long stretch away from games frustrated him, particularly when his training was limited to a stationary bike.
He used that time to work on his fitness and eating habits. General manager Mathieu Darche praised his preseason conditioning, while Romanov said he felt good after the first day of fast-paced practices. He told the Islanders' website that better discipline with food has helped him feel less tired.
Goaltender Semyon Varlamov, who was recovering from knee surgery, trained alongside Romanov last season. Romanov said Varlamov's persistence motivated him. Scott Mayfield, who has skated with Romanov early in camp, said his teammate's work during rehabilitation is showing on the ice.
