Isaiah George Gets the Call: Islanders Tap Promising Young Defenseman Amid Injuries
ELMONT, NY - The New York Islanders are turning to one of their most promising young blue-liners to help steady the ship. Isaiah George has been recalled from AHL Bridgeport, stepping into the NHL lineup as the Isles deal with injuries on the back end. Cole McWard, who played three games during his stint but has been a healthy scratch for the last six, heads back to the AHL.
The move comes as veteran defenseman Ryan Pulock remains sidelined with an upper-body injury. He’s listed as day-to-day and won’t suit up for Saturday’s matinee against the Buffalo Sabres.
So now, it’s George’s turn.
And according to head coach Patrick Roy, it’s a moment that’s been a long time coming.
“We’re excited to see Georgy,” Roy said. “He’s been playing really well.
Every time we had a call-up, unfortunately for him, he was hurt. So we’re excited to have him come here right now.”
George has been on the radar for a while. The Islanders have been rotating through their young defensive depth from Bridgeport-Mitchell, Warren, McWard-and now it’s George’s shot again. The coaching staff clearly believes in the group, and George in particular has earned this opportunity.
“He played so well last year when he first came up,” Roy added. “Unfortunately, he had a concussion-I think it was against Toronto, with [Max] Domi-and it was a little tougher after that. But I’m confident he’s going to play really well.”
There’s reason for that confidence. Since returning from his most recent injury, George has looked sharp in Bridgeport. The skating that made him stand out in junior hockey is still there, and he's shown an ability to move the puck under pressure-something the Islanders could certainly use right now.
“He’s a really good skater,” Roy said. “He’s got that ability to get the puck out on his own.”
That kind of mobility is a valuable asset, especially in today’s NHL, where transition play and quick exits from the defensive zone are critical. George brings that element, and with Pulock out, the Isles are hoping he can inject some pace and poise into the lineup.
George is expected to be paired with Adam Boqvist, while Scott Mayfield will skate alongside Matthew Schaefer. It’s a mix of youth and experience, and for George, it’s a chance to re-establish himself at the NHL level.
This isn’t just a fill-in role-it’s a real opportunity. The Islanders believe in their young defensemen, and George has shown flashes of being more than just a depth option. If he can stay healthy and play to his strengths, he could carve out a bigger role moving forward.
For now, though, the focus is on Saturday-and on making the most of this long-awaited return.