Flyers Ramping Up Trade Talks With Islanders
Per Marco D'Amico, the Flyers have "kicked tires" on New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov, a player Philadelphia also pursued last offseason before he ultimately re-signed with New York.
Two Bigger Misses Set This Up
The renewed interest comes after Philadelphia struck out on two more prominent names in free agency. The Flyers were unable to land John Carlson, who signed with Tampa Bay despite Philadelphia reportedly offering more money, and also missed on Darnell Nurse.
As mentioned during draft weekend, the Islanders had carried out trade discussions with teams about Alexander Romanov. Those loosely continued but no traction to this point.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 30, 2026
With those pursuits over and Rasmus Ristolainen unlikely to be re-signed once his contract expires, Philadelphia's need for a physical, right-shot presence on the back end remains unresolved heading into camp.
Why Romanov
Romanov, 25, is a physical, shutdown-style defenseman who has spent his entire NHL career with the Islanders since being acquired from Montreal in 2022.
He signed an eight-year, $50 million extension with New York last summer, meaning any trade now would require Philadelphia to take on significant term rather than simply add short-term help.
🚨 Mikko Rantanen ejected (5-minute major + game misconduct) for boarding #Isles Alexander Romanov. #TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/YndyuTclpD
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) November 19, 2025
During his time with the Islanders, Romanov has recorded 13 goals, 65 total points, and a solid +34 plus/minus rating across 236 games played.
There's no indication a deal is necessarily close, and the Islanders have given no signal they're looking to move a player they just committed to long-term, but the Flyers have called multiple times.
