Report: Flyers Inquire About Islanders Defenseman

(Header/feature image courtesy of Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)

The Philadelphia Flyers have made no secret about their desire to start adding to their team instead of subtracting—and with significant cap space and an arsenal of draft capital, they’re in a strong position to make good on those ambitions.

According to a report from RG, the Flyers have shown interest in 25-year-old New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov, a pending restricted free agent known for his physicality, defensive reliability, and emerging offensive instincts.

While a deal is far from imminent, the Flyers have reportedly inquired about Romanov’s availability as the offseason market begins to heat up. And the fit, frankly, makes a lot of sense.

The Player: Romanov’s Versatile Value

Romanov, who the Islanders acquired from the Montreal Canadiens in 2022, has quietly built a reputation as a punishing and consistent left-side defensemen. In his time with the Isles, he’s played in 221 NHL games, recording 64 points (13 goals, 51 assists), 465 blocked shots, and 502 hits.

If there’s one word to define his game, it’s presence—Romanov is a true tone-setter, the kind of defenseman who makes forwards think twice before cutting to the middle of the ice.

And yet, he’s not a one-dimensional bruiser. Over the past season, Romanov showed real signs of growth in puck-moving and playmaking, elevating his offensive confidence without compromising his defensive structure. He won’t quarterback a power play, but he can transition the puck effectively and hold his own in the offensive zone. However, his real value lies in being a shutdown defenseman with great skating and mobility skills. His responsible, physical, high-motor game is exactly the kind of stability the Flyers could use on their left side.

The Fit: What the Flyers Need

It’s no secret that Flyers GM Danny Brière is open to upgrading the NHL roster while continuing to stockpile young talent. With $18.99 million in cap space (pending RFAs Cam York and Jakob Pelletier have yet to sign new deals) and seven picks in the first 48 selections of this year’s NHL Draft, Philadelphia has the currency to be active.

If the Flyers are indeed eyeing Romanov, the interest likely stems from a few key needs:

1. A reliable, physically mature top-four defenseman who can eat tough minutes and complement a more mobile partner.
2. A left-handed presence who could round out a top-four that already includes Travis Sanheim and Jamie Drysdale.
3. A young veteran entering his prime, with room to grow—but also enough experience to step in right away.

At just 25 years old, Romanov is entering his best years, and if the Flyers believe his upward trajectory will continue, they may see him as a long-term core piece worth investing in.

The Price: What Could It Take?

According to RG’s reporting, Romanov could be seeking a contract in the range of $5 to $6 million AAV.

That’s a significant investment, but perhaps not an unreasonable one—especially for a defenseman who can be trusted with high-leverage minutes and provide some snarl to a team that’s been trying to carve out a more physical identity.

The real cost, of course, would be in trade assets.

The Islanders are thin on picks and prospect depth and may be looking to recoup assets. A package that includes some of the Flyers’ late first-round picks or one of their four second-rounders could appeal to New York, especially if it’s paired with a young player or mid-tier prospect. The Flyers would need to decide just how high they’re willing to go for a player like Romanov—and whether they believe he’s worth giving up a shot at drafting another young, cost-controlled piece.

But if the Flyers truly see themselves on the upswing—and if Romanov is viewed as part of a potential playoff-caliber top four—it could be the kind of proactive, controlled risk Brière has shown a willingness to take.

The Outlook: Risk vs. Reward

No trade is ever a lock, and RFAs come with their own set of complications—especially when it comes to contract demands, arbitration risk, and the sheer unpredictability of restricted free agency. But Romanov presents a compelling mix of reliability, edge, and upside.

He’s already logged meaningful NHL experience. He’s shown growth each year. And most importantly, he plays a style of hockey that Flyers fans (and coaches) tend to appreciate: structured, tough, responsible, and intense.

For a Flyers team that’s still finding its identity but wants to keep inching closer to contention, this could be the right kind of bet—a player still developing, but ready for a bigger role. The question now becomes: how much are they willing to pay to make it happen?

And perhaps just as critically: are the Islanders ready to deal?

Stay tuned. The Flyers’ blue line may not be set just yet.

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