NY Islanders D Isaiah George already showing more than expected at rookie camp

Isaiah George has been around the Islanders long enough that rookie camp probably doesn’t feel all that new anymore.

The 22-year-old defenseman hit the ice Friday for what is already his fifth rookie camp with the organization. This one, though, feels different.

George has played 37 NHL games over the past two seasons, showing flashes of the skating and puck-moving ability that made him one of the organization’s more intriguing defensive prospects. But injuries and the previous coaching staff’s preference for veterans kept him from ever truly grabbing a permanent spot.

Now there’s a real opening.

George spent the offseason preparing for exactly that opportunity, and the organization has made it pretty clear that it believes he’s ready to push for more.

“It’s a big confidence booster,” George said. “For them to have that belief in me to make this teamm, obviously I have that belief in myself already but just to have that outside support is an added boost.”

And after just one day of rookie camp, the early reviews were already strong.

AHL Hamilton coach Jay McKee came away impressed with what he saw from George.

“I’m seeing more than I expected with him,” McKee said.That’s a pretty notable comment considering George should be one of the more NHL-ready players in camp.

With Matthew Schaefer and Cal Ritchie no longer participating, George should stand out. The bigger test comes at main camp, where he could find himself battling veteran Scott Mayfield for a regular role. The arrival of Pete DeBoer also helps. DeBoer has no attachment to the old depth chart and has already praised George for paying his dues without complaining when sent back to the minors.

George has been knocking on the NHL door for a while.

After Day 1, he may already be pushing it open.

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