"Romanov and DeAngelo were two of Patrick Roy's most trusted defensemen last season, leading all blue liners in 5v5 ice-time, both averaging around 19 minutes per game - the top two for all Islanders defensemen. Those numbers have rapidly decreased through the early portion of this season, with Romanov playing just over 16 minutes and DeAngelo around the 15-minute mark."
"Despite their lack of ice time compared to the other four defensemen, the pairing is allowing goals at the highest rate among all pairings. With a goals-for percentage of 25% according to Natural Stat Trick, Romanov and DeAngelo have been on the ice for three goals while allowing nine at even strength. Only the pairing of Matthew Schaefer and Scott Mayfield has allowed more goals, but they have played together for nearly 63 minutes more."
"DeAngelo, who signed a one-year deal to remain with the Islanders, is 30 years old, and the team can move on from him next season if he doesn't see a vast improvement. If the Isles had a right-handed defenseman in their pipeline who was NHL-ready, DeAngelo would likely have seen some time in the press box already this season. The bigger issue lies with Ronanov."
Improving the defensive end was a priority for the 2025-26 season after major struggles the previous year. Most of the defensive core has shown improvement, but the Alexander Romanov–Tony DeAngelo pairing has deteriorated. Both logged top 5v5 minutes last season but now average roughly 16 and 15 minutes per game, respectively. The pairing has a 25% goals-for at even strength, on ice for three goals while allowing nine. Matthew Schaefer and Scott Mayfield have allowed more goals, but with far greater shared minutes. DeAngelo is on a one-year deal at age 30, while Romanov carries an eight-year, $6.25M AAV extension, making the slow start concerning.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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