EXCLUSIVE: Isaiah George Eager To Lead New Era In Bridgeport After Impressing Islanders Staff
After an impressive training camp, 21-year-old defenseman Isaiah George was assigned to Bridgeport to play big minutes.
EAST MEADOW, NY — The chances of Isaiah George making the New York Islanders roster out of training camp were slim. But that didn’t stop the 21-year-old, who played 33 games with the Islanders last season, from doing everything he could to show the new regime that he should be part of the future plans.
And that he did, as he impressed throughout training camp and preseason.
What it came down to was his development path. Does he stay on the NHL roster and serve as the seventh defenseman or go down to Bridgeport and play big minutes?
General manager Mathieu Darche easily chose the latter.
“George had a really good camp. I’m excited. He’s 21 years old, so I want him to play minutes. That’s why we assigned him to Bridgeport,” Darche said. “The future is bright for Isaiah. He played games last year. That’s what I told him yesterday. I said it was a very positive camp, but we need him to play more minutes. It’s not the right fit to sit in the NHL. I’d rather have him play. Trust me, I’d be surprised if we don’t see him during the year at some point. He’s done a great job.”
Prior to George heading down to Bridgeport, he spoke exclusively with The Elmonters about training camp, his excitement to help turn Bridgeport around, and more.
I also spoke to veteran defenseman Scott Mayfield about George and what he noticed about his game from last season to this season.
Enjoy!
Chat With Isaiah George
Stefen Rosner: You’re getting more experience now. What have you taken from this camp, especially after getting a taste of NHL action last year?
Isaiah George: “Yeah, I’d say definitely just like, I know a little bit what to expect — expectations — which is big. I think that’s just helped me be consistent in my preparation and the body of work I’m putting out on the ice. That was big. Obviously, now it’s easier to just soak everything up because you’re familiar with all the little things. You can really pay attention to the small details with the D-core and the good things they’re doing, and then just overall as a team.”
Stefen Rosner: Obviously, your goal is to be here, but if you go down to Bridgeport, how excited are you to take on this new era for them and be part of that?
Isaiah George: “Yeah, I think Bridgeport will be exciting. I got to know the coaching staff — Rocky and the others — and honestly, I think they’ll be great coaches. I’m really looking forward to working with them, and I think we’ll have a good group. Obviously, last year was unacceptable, really. So I think we all have a chip on our shoulder and want to make a big improvement.”
Stefen Rosner: You’ve been battling against Matthew Schaefer. What’s it been like just to play with him and go up against him?
Isaiah George: “Yeah, really good player. Obviously, he skates like the wind. He’s got a ton of confidence out there, which is big. When he plays, he plays like he can win every battle and make every move. That’s a really good trait to have — it’s noticeable.”
Stefen Rosner: Not a big age difference, but does it make you feel a little old that he’s just 18?
Isaiah George: “Yeah, I think so — a little bit. I mean, 18 is really young. I can only imagine being in his position at 18, how much of a whirlwind it would be. But we’re only, I think, three years apart, so it’s not a huge gap. We still find the same jokes funny and are into the same young culture, so it’s fun.”
Stefen Rosner: You made your NHL debut against the Penguins. Is it cool that he’s probably going to do the same thing?
Isaiah George: “Yeah, actually, we haven’t talked about that, but yeah — it’s cool. I mean, it’s the Penguins. It’s Crosby. I think every kid growing up around our age had Crosby as their favorite player. Evgeni Malkin — the Pittsburgh Penguins were kind of the hot team when we were kids. So yeah, it’s definitely cool to play them in your first game.”
Scott Mayfield On Isaiah George
Stefen Rosner: Isaiah George had a really good camp, but he goes down. What did you notice in terms of what he did in the 33 games with you guys last year, and how he grew this summer?
Scott Mayfield: “Yeah, I mean, I think it always takes a while — whether you’re in the American League, NHL, whatever it is — you’re playing against older guys and a bit more structure than junior. I never played junior before college, but it’s similar in that way. His games up, he was unbelievable. The way he moved, his skating, his vision — obviously, he had the injury, which is always tough — but he’s fun to watch out there. Obviously, he’s just scratched the surface, but he definitely can play.”
