Could D Isaiah George push for a top six role with the NY Islanders this season?

Isaiah George has been through this before. Four times, actually.

George will participate in his fifth Islanders rookie camp this week, but this one feels a lot different than the others. The 22-year-old isn't simply another prospect trying to make an impression anymore. He's entering the final season of his entry-level contract, he's already played 33 NHL games, and there is a legitimate opportunity sitting there for him to finally become a full-time Islander.

George gave the Islanders a pretty good look at what he could do two seasons ago. His skating immediately translated to the NHL and, for the most part, he never looked overwhelmed. Now the question isn't really whether George can play NHL games. It's whether he can be good enough that Pete DeBoer has no choice but to keep playing him.

DeBoer's comments during development camp certainly made it sound like the opportunity is real.

"Our system's based around skating and closing on people," DeBoer said. "Your defensemen in that type of system have to be able to move, and [George's] best assets are his feet and his speed and ability to support the rush and get back on pucks and make breakout plays. So I think it fits with his toolbox."

And here's where things could get interesting.

If George has a strong camp, this might not simply be about earning the seventh defenseman job. Could he push Scott Mayfield for an everyday spot? Mayfield is the established veteran with four years remaining on his contract, but DeBoer shouldn't have much loyalty to the previous depth chart. If George fits his system better and plays better, there is a decision to make.

DeBoer even said in July that George looks like he's "knocking on the door to be a full-time NHLer for a long time."

Eventually, a prospect has to kick that door down. After five rookie camps and plenty of time developing in the AHL, George may never have a better opportunity than the one sitting in front of him right now.

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