NY Islanders' Isaiah George using two contrasting seasons to earn NHL roster spot

For Isaiah George, the last two seasons have provided two very different lessons. As the New York Islanders prepare for training camp this fall, the young defenseman is hoping those experiences will help him seize what could be his best opportunity yet to earn a full-time NHL role.

"It's a big motivation," George said on the opening day of the Islanders' development camp. "Obviously, I want to play in the NHL. That's been my goal since I got drafted here. And just I'm ready to just come into camp, put my best foot forward, and try to earn a spot."

That opportunity appears to be there for the taking.

George's rookie professional season in 2024-25 exceeded even his own expectations. Thrust into the NHL earlier than anticipated, he appeared in 33 games with the Islanders and showed poise, skating ability and maturity beyond his years. He quickly earned the trust of the coaching staff and established himself as a legitimate part of the organization's future plans.

The following season, however, presented a much different challenge.

"I'd say my first year is kind of, like my first year, obviously a lot of things went well, and I think I exceeded the expectations I had for myself," George said. "And then obviously last year didn't necessarily go the way I wanted to, just with missing games and all that stuff."

Rather than viewing last season as a setback, George believes it provided an equally valuable learning experience.

"So I think both were great opportunities to learn from, be able to battle some adversity last year I think was great, and happy with how I bounced back from that," he said. "So this year I'm just looking to build off these last two seasons and just have a great year."

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