The 22-year-old defenseman was a restricted free agent. He was acquired with a fourth-round pick (No. 98) in the 2022 NHL Draft from the Montreal Canadiens on July 7 for the No. 13 pick. He had 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) in 79 games last season and has 19 points (four goals, 15 assists) in 133 regular-season games and one goal in four Stanley Cup Playoff games.
"I was shocked, honestly," Romanov said Monday about the trade. "It was a surprise for me. I didn't expect it but I'm so excited to be here. I'm already on Long Island and getting ready for the season. I'm ready to play right now."
Romanov led the Canadiens with 142 blocked shots and 202:28 of shorthanded ice time last season. His 225 hits ranked sixth in the NHL at his position.
"I would like to bring offense," Romanov said. "I want to improve my game with the puck. I also can play physical, can hit guys, start attacks, breakouts. I want to play more in the offensive zone. I want to bring more of an offensive game."
Romanov was selected in the second round (No. 38) of the 2018 NHL Draft and has played more games than anyone chosen in the second round or later in that draft.
"We had an opportunity to get a 22-year-old top-four defenseman," Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said at the 2022 draft. "Tremendous character, tremendous competitiveness. We played against him enough to feel that way and know him and recognize what he brought. And he's growing. He's got a lot (of room) to grow. He has a lot in him potentially to get better."
Defenseman
Noah Dobson
and forward Kieffer Bellows also signed contracts Monday.
Dobson, a restricted free agent, signed a three-year contract; financial terms were not announced. The 22-year-old had NHL career highs in goals (13), assists (38) and points (51) in 80 games last season. He has 72 points (17 goals, 55 assists) in 160 regular-season games and seven assists in 20 Stanley Cup Playoff games since he was selected with the No. 12 pick in the 2018 draft.
Bellows, who was also an RFA, signed a one-year contract; financial terms were not announced. The 24-year-old had 19 points (six goals, 13 assists) in 45 games last season. He has 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) in 67 games, all with the Islanders, and is the son of retired NHL forward Brian Bellows, who played 18 seasons from 1982-99.
