Exclusive: George On Playing HIs Off-Side & Competing With Schaefer
After a promising NHL debut, Isaiah George faces increased competition for a roster spot with the Islanders in 2025-26.
After just four professional games, the New York Islanders gave then-20-year-old defenseman Isaiah George a chance on the big stage.
While he ultimately got sent back down to Bridgeport, his 33-game sample size was enough to show that their 98th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft should be part of the blue line equation going forward.
George showcased a strong hockey IQ and an innate ability to evade danger and recover quickly, thanks to his strong skating and edgework. He just needed more seasoning, and heading back to Bridgeport allowed him to play — and play a lot.
But there was no question that George would be fighting for a roster spot in 2025-26.
Flash forward to now, and the path to a roster spot has become a bit more complicated for George.
Alexander Romanov is remaining with the club, as he inked an eight-year extension.
First-time GM Mathieu Darche also extended Adam Boqvist and Tony DeAngelo on one-year deals.
That came after Darche selected left-side defenseman Matthew Schaefer first overall at the 2025 NHL Draft.
While Schaefer making the Islanders at 18 isn’t a given — he’s 17 now but will be 18 on Sept. 5 — the likelihood that he heads the NCAA route is slim.
What’s more likely is that Schaefer makes the team, plays nine games, and then, after that, the organization decides if he should remain or head back to the Erie Otters of the OHL for the remainder of the season.
But the Islanders’ decision on Schaefer definitely impacts what happens to George.
One of them is likely to start on the club’s third pairing alongside Scott Mayfield or Boqvist.
In George’s case, he could serve as the seventh defenseman, but with Boqvist and/or Mayfield no longer in the developmental years of their careers, it would make more sense for Isaiah to be in Bridgeport.
However, could George escape the Schaefer cloud this season and going forward if he shows an ability and willingness to play the right side?
When we asked head coach Patrick Roy about certain defensemen playing their off-side, the Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender-turned-bench boss said that he thinks defensemen can play either side and it’s not as serious as people make it out to be in today’s NHL.
With DeAngelo and Boqvist on one-year deals, and the future of Mayfield as a starter in the lineup still a significant question mark, given how last season ended, could George’s future be on that side of the puck, given the scarcity of RHD in the system?
That’s certainly something to think about.
During development camp, I caught up with George to discuss playing the right side and more ahead of a rather crucial offseason for the young blueliner.