Alexander Romanov, Islanders Defenseman, Out with Injury
New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov will be out of action for between five and six months due to surgery on his right shoulder, the team announced on Sunday.
Romanov’s injury, 25, occurred on Tuesday in Dallas during the last minute of regulation time. He was hit by Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen.
Romanov, who needed help getting off the ice, was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday. So far this season, he has one assist in 15 games. Last summer, he signed an eight-year, $50 million contract.
He is not happy. We have to move on. We don’t replace a player like that.
Patrick Roy, Islanders Coach
Coach Roy indicated that the team will depend on Adam Boqvist and Marshall Warren to cover Romanov’s position, known for his speed.
Rantanen received a five-minute penalty for the play and a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, but no further sanctions were imposed by the league. Previously, on Sunday, he was suspended for one game after a hit on Matt Coronato of Calgary during Saturday’s game.
Roy expressed his anger after Rantanen’s hit on Romanov, and yelled at the Dallas player as he headed to the locker room.
Stars coach Glen Gulutzan defended his player, arguing that Rantanen’s skate was grazed by Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield, causing him to raise his arms for balance just before contact with Romanov.
Rantanen stated that he had no intention of injuring Romanov. This is his first full season with Dallas after being traded twice last season.
