Islanders sign Romanov to 8-year extension, reportedly worth $50M

The New York Islanders signed defenseman Alexander Romanov to an eight-year extension, the team announced Monday.

The contract has a $6.25-million cap hit, TSN's Chris Johnston reports.

Romanov tallied four goals and 20 points in 64 contests last season, and logged over 22 minutes per game. His 6.9 blocks per 60 ranked sixth league-wide, and his 6.2 hits per 60 ranked 17th among all defenders.

The 25-year-old was set to become a restricted free agent Tuesday. He's coming off a three-year pact signed in 2022 that had a $2.5-million cap hit.

Romanov's new contract buys six years of term when he would've been eligible for unrestricted free agency.

The Russian blue-liner has accumulated 17 goals and 83 points in his 354-game NHL career over five seasons. Romanov was drafted 38th overall in 2018 by the Montreal Canadiens.

The Islanders acquired Romanov and the 98th overall pick from the Canadiens on draft day in 2022 for the 13th selection. New York selected defenseman Isaiah George and Montreal flipped the Islanders' pick to the Chicago Blackhawks, who took Frank Nazar.