Alexander Romanov didn’t expect to be traded, but he’s definitely looking to the future. With a new three-year contract in his pocket, he is eager to start a new chapter in his career with the New York Islanders.
It was last July 7 at the draft in Montreal: the new general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, Kent Hughes, sent Romanov to New York in return for the 13th selection of the auction. This choice then allowed him to obtain Kirby Dach, from the Chicago Blackhawks.
A few weeks later, his new pact, which will bring him $ 7.5 million according to the Sportsnet network, allowed him to go back on the transaction publicly for the first time during a virtual press conference.
“I was shocked to be honest,” Romanov said Monday. It was a surprise for me. I didn’t expect it, but I’m excited to be here. I’m already in Long Island preparing for the season. I would be ready to play now, honestly, so I’m just waiting for the start of the season!”
good tools
With the Islanders, Romanov could well play with Noah Dobson on defense. The 12th player drafted in 2018 hatched in 2021-2022 with 13 goals and 51 points in 80 games. He also accepted a three-year contract, an agreement worth $12 million.
The former Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (LHJMQ) would see himself playing with Romanov, even if he knows very well that he will not have the last word in this regard.
“We’ve exchanged a few text messages, but I haven’t been able to meet him in person yet,” Dobson said at first. From what little I know from watching him play, he’s obviously a talented player; he skates very well and he has a good physical presence. It will be exciting to get to know him, and if we end up playing together, that will be good too.”
“Having tools like that can help, especially in transition and in the offensive zone. I’m excited to have him in our defensive squad.”
Romanov is obviously recognized for his good shoulders, but he would like to do more in attack. After two seasons in a Habs uniform, he was limited to four goals and 19 points in 133 outings. He feels he can do better.
“I would like to offer more offense right now. I worked in the offseason with a puck on my skills because I want to improve my game with the puck. I can be physical, I can create turnovers, but I want to play more in the offensive zone.
reunion
If he was surprised by the transaction, Romanov certainly had a broad smile when he learned of the destination. Indeed, he will find a great friend, the goalkeeper Ilya Sorokin. The two men wore the colors of CSKA Moscow together for two seasons, from 2018 to 2020.
“Yeah, definitely, he’s one of my closest friends right now,” he nodded enthusiastically. We have always been in contact. We spend every day at his house! These are good times.”
-Kieffer Bellows also signed a new pact for the next season on Monday.