As the New York Islanders approach their regular season opener Wednesday in Toronto, the team is gradually integrating key defensemen Alexander Romanov and Ryan Pulock following lengthy recoveries from shoulder surgeries. Both players, who are projected to anchor the Islanders’ second defensive pairing alongside Adam Pelech and Matthew Schaefer, appeared in their first preseason game Friday against the New York Rangers, marking their initial game action since undergoing medical procedures.

Romanov underwent surgery shortly after a season-ending hit last November, while Pulock had shoulder surgery after the conclusion of the previous season. To facilitate a measured return, the Islanders opted to delay game action for both players, allowing additional practice time before inserting them into consecutive preseason matches. Friday’s contest, however, revealed lingering rust as both players struggled to find their footing amidst a primarily minor-league lineup fielded by the Islanders against a full NHL roster from the Rangers.

The 6-1 loss in the preseason game underscored the difference in competitive readiness. While much of the lopsided score can be attributed to the Islanders’ experimental lineup, Romanov and Pulock each finished with minus-3 ratings, highlighting challenges in their performance. Romanov, in particular, was often positioned behind the pace and outnumbered in defensive situations, signaling the gap remaining between his current play and expected contribution levels.

“It was tough in the first two periods just getting accustomed to the game speed again,” Romanov said, reflecting on his first game in 10 months. He noted improvement in the final period with several takeaways and interceptions, suggesting gradual acclimation to in-game demands. Pulock echoed this sentiment, acknowledging positive aspects of his game while recognizing the need for further ice time to regain full form.

Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer emphasized the preseason’s role in shaking off the effects of extended absences. “That first game is always hard,” DeBoer remarked, describing the slow progress as part of a necessary adjustment period to return to peak condition.

Last season was difficult for both defensemen. Romanov’s effectiveness was hampered in the 15 games he played before his injury, while Pulock dealt with diminished performance due to his shoulder issues. The coaching staff and management are keenly aware of the implications of any further setbacks, underscoring the importance of a healthy and fully restored pairing.

Both players have reported significant progress in their rehabilitation. Pulock detailed the unique nature of his recovery process, including strength testing that has surpassed pre-surgery benchmarks. Romanov, who signed an eight-year contract extension in 2025, underwent considerable physical transformation, shedding approximately 17 pounds and reducing his body fat from 14 percent to 7 percent by adopting stricter dietary controls and increasing on-ice training, earning praise from team officials for his physical condition.

Despite the encouraging signs in practice, the challenge remains translating fitness into effective in-game performance. DeBoer maintains cautious optimism, noting Romanov’s potential to reclaim a top-four defensive role but acknowledging that consistent game action is necessary. “He has all the tools for that, and that’s what we need out of him,” DeBoer said. “He’s gotta come back healthy, which he is. We’ve got to give him runway to get back up to speed.”

For now, the Islanders are focused on easing both players back into the lineup to restore their confidence and timing ahead of the upcoming regular season. Friday’s preseason appearance is viewed more as a foundational step toward that goal rather than a definitive measure of readiness.