Islanders Alexander Romanov Ditches Non-Contact Jersey At Friday's Practice; Not Ready Just Yet

SEATTLE -- New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov ditched the orange non-contact jersey at Friday's practice.

The 24-year-old defender has missed five straight games and nine of the last 10 games with an upper-body injury.

While it's positive that he's a full participant for the first time in quite some time, he wasn't part of the starting defense group when the team ran lines.

Romanov skated as an extra with defenseman Travis Mitchell, who was recalled from Bridgeport of the American Hockey League ahead of their Thursday night 5-2 win against the Vancouver Canucks.

"To me, he is still day to day," Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said. "But, I guess we're getting closer, absolutely."