EAST MEADOW, NY -- New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov took steps in the right direction on Friday morning as he works his way back from right shoulder surgery.

Prior to practice, Romanov was on the ice taking shots for what is believed to be the first time since hitting the shelf.

#Isles Alexander Romanov (shoulder surgery) was on the ice this morning ahead of practice.

Timetable was mid-playoffs, last we heard.

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) February 20, 2026

The 26-year-old sustained the shoulder injury on Nov. 18 in the dying seconds of a 3-2 win over the Dallas Stars after he was hit from behind by Mikko Rantanen. He had surgery with a recovery timeline between five and six months. 

BREAKING: Islanders' Alexander Romanov To Have Shoulder Surgery, Out 5-6 Months Devastating blow for the Islanders: Romanov's season ends abruptly due to shoulder surgery after a controversial hit. Recovery targets next season.

Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche said that Romanov could return at some point in the mid-rounds of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, if the team is still playing then. 

"It's great," Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said about Romanov getting back out there. "You could see in his face. I mean, he's excited about practicing on his own and taking some shots. And I think it's been a while. He wants to take some shots. It's a long injury, and he's gonna have to be patient. And we have a really good staff, so I mean, I'm sure they're gonna take care of him, and he'll be fine."

The Islanders have tried out a ton of players in Romanov's spot before Darche opted for stability, acquiring Carson Soucy from the New York Rangers on Jan. 26 in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick.

Romanov, who is in the first season of an eight-year deal worth $6.25 million annually, had one assist in 15 games this season, averaging 19:27.