Romanov to the Islanders, Lamoriello Deals Pick No. 13

MONTREAL, QC— The New York Islanders did not wait around to pick at no. 13 as they send that pick to the Montreal Canadiens for 22-year-old defenseman Alexander Romanov and the 98th pick in this year’s draft.

The Montreal Canadiens then sent the 13th pick and the 66th pick to the Chicago Blackhawks for forward Kirby Dach. 

Alexander Romanov, a left-handed defenseman, recorded three goals and 10 assists in 79 games played. In 133 career NHL games, the 6’1, 209 lb defenseman has four goals and 15 assists. 

Romanov was drafted 38th overall back in the 2018 NHL Draft and with this move, it shows that the Montreal Canadiens did not believe that he was someone that was worth keeping around. 

However, the New York Islanders were in need of a left-handed defenseman and they got one. 

Lighting the lamp, as one could guess by the stat line, is not something Romanov does, which is perfectly fine given that he is likely to be paired with fellow 22-year-old defenseman Noah Dobson.  Dobson showed this past season how much of a difference-maker he can be on the offensive side of the puck with 13 goals and 38 assists in 80 games. 

Romanov loves to throw the body around, as in 79 games he recorded 227 hits which ranked 19th highest in the NHL this past season.

Lighting the lamp is not something Romanov will do and despite not being a huge player, his ability to hit is a real strength of his. In those 79 games, Romanov recorded 227 hits which ranked 19th highest in the NHL this past season.

Romanov also had 144 blocks in 2021-22. 

However, the New York Islanders were in need of a left-handed defenseman and Marco D’Amico, who covers the Montreal Canadiens for Montreal Hockey Now told me that he is going to be a perfect player alongside fellow 22-year-old defenseman Noah Dobson. 

“Think of it as a duo that could work like New York Islanders top defensive pairing Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock,” D’Amico added.

Romanov can play his defensive style while Dobson does his thing offensively, adding a nice balance. 

Having Adam Pelech, Ryan Pulock, Alexander Romanov and Noah Dobson as a top-four defensive group is strong, considering that Scott Mayfield could potentially be on the bottom pair.  

It may seem like an overpayment by the New York Islanders, but New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello had a need and he filled it. 

It is worth mentioning that Alexander Radulov is Russia but do not be alarmed.

Alex Romanov is expecting to return to North America next week and everything seems to be okay with him in Russia currently, says Hughes.

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) July 4, 2022

We will chat with New York Islanders general manager Lamoriello after the first round and this story will be updated accordingly.