Alexander Romanov‘s injury appears to be as devastating as first feared.

The New York Islanders defenceman, who was the recipient of a Mikko Rantanen boarding penalty on Tuesday, is set to undergo shoulder surgery and miss five to six months, the team announced on Sunday.

Romanov was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday while awaiting a second opinion and final prognosis.

The 25-year-old was in the midst of the first season of an eight-year, $50-million deal signed in the off-season. In 15 games, Romanov posted one assist, 31 hits and 31 blocks while averaging 19:27 of ice time a game.

Rantanen received no supplemental discipline for the hit, but was suspended one game on Sunday following a similar hit on Flames forward Matt Coronato on Saturday.

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