Islanders lose Romanov for six to eight months after torn ACL

Alexander Romanov needs surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee, the Islanders announced Wednesday. The club estimates an absence of six to eight months, a major loss on defense only three games into the season.

Romanov was hurt in a third-period collision with Mika Zibanejad on Tuesday, when the Rangers beat the Islanders 5-2. He missed the final 12:04. The team confirmed the diagnosis the following day, separating the medical finding from what could be seen during the game.

Another interrupted season

The 26-year-old played only 15 games last season because of a shoulder injury. A new long absence interrupts his return before the Islanders have had much opportunity to establish their defensive combinations.

Six to eight months is the team's recovery estimate, not a promised return date or a confirmed end to his season. The immediate hockey consequence is clearer: the Islanders must plan for an extended stretch without Romanov. A specific replacement or revised pairing should wait for the club's lineup announcement.