Isaiah George called up; young NY Islanders defenseman debuts versus Buffalo Sabres

saiah George’s long wait for a chance this season is finally over.

The New York Islanders recalled the 21-year-old defenseman from Bridgeport on Saturday morning ahead of their matinee matchup against the Buffalo Sabres, setting the stage for George to make his season debut after a frustrating start-and-stop year defined by injuries and illness.

“We’re excited to see George,” head coach Patrick Roy said before the game. “He’s been playing really well. Unfortunately for him, every time we needed a call-up, he was hurt or sick. We’re excited to have him up here right now. We love our young guys, we trust them, it’s a good opportunity for him. He played so well last year.”

George, a fourth-round pick (98th overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft, carved out a role with the Islanders late last season and looked like a strong candidate to build on that momentum this year. He appeared in 33 NHL games in 2024-25, recording five points (one goal, four assists), while also spending time with Bridgeport, where he posted 14 points in 33 AHL games.

This season hasn’t been as smooth. Injuries limited George to just 24 games with Bridgeport, but when he’s been in the lineup, he’s made an impact. He has 10 points (two goals, eight assists) on the year and has been especially productive since returning from injury, tallying five points (one goal, four assists) in his last six games.

Saturday’s recall marks George’s first call-up of the season and makes him the fourth defenseman summoned from Bridgeport this year, following Cole McWard, Travis Mitchell and Marshall Warren. McWard was returned to Bridgeport on loan in a corresponding move after appearing in three games with the Islanders.

For George, the timing finally feels right. With the Islanders leaning more heavily on their development pipeline and injuries continuing to test their blue-line depth, this call-up represents both a reward for his recent play and another opportunity to stake a longer-term claim at the NHL level.

After a season defined by setbacks, George now gets his chance to show why the organization remains so high on his upside — and why Roy and the Islanders believe their young defensemen are ready when called upon.