The New York Islanders sent defenseman Isaiah George down after claiming Adam Boqvist off waivers on Friday, opting to give the young blueliner time to develop in the AHL after he struggled in recent weeks. The move comes as the Islanders adjust their defensive lineup amid injuries and roster changes, resulting in Tony DeAngelo's signing and trading for Scott Perunovich.
George, a promising young defenseman, has shown flashes of his potential but still needs refinement in his game. In 33 games, he scored one goal and had three assists. A strong skater with good defensive instincts, the 20-year-old has impressed in limited action, but the Islanders believe more seasoning will benefit his long-term development. By sending him down, they ensure he gets consistent playing time and the opportunity to round out his game in a lower-pressure environment.
“He was the youngest defenseman in the league at this point and I thought he did really well,” Roy said in Newsday. “It was a great experience for him. It’s important to go through the highs and the lows of this position. It’s hard for the younger guys to jump in as a defenseman. But thank god we had him. He helped us to stay around the .500 mark when we had a lot of guys missing.”
GM Lou Lamoriello told the media that he spent time with George recently. He said that the Islanders brought him up early but lauded his play. What happened to George is common for young players - mistakes led to some shaken confidence and it often takes a bit of time to build their play back up. After the recent additions, the decision to reassign George also reflects the team’s current depth on the blue line. While George provided a glimpse of what he can bring, the Islanders prioritize immediate stability while keeping an eye on his future impact.