The two-part answer to explain Islanders’ approach to fill Alexander Romanov gap

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The Islanders’ handling of the lineup spot formerly occupied by Alexander Romanov begs two questions. 

First, when does Isaiah George, who played 33 games with the Isles last season and looked in line to compete for a full-time job with the big club this season, get a chance on the left-side spot that none of Adam Boqvist, Travis Mitchell, Marshall Warren or Cole McWard have done enough to lock down for themselves? 

And second, will general manager Mathieu Darche look outside the organization at some point to fill the job? 

The first question can be explained in part by an injury-filled year for George, who got hurt right before Romanov suffered a shoulder injury and got hurt again right before the holidays. Darche said before Thursday’s loss to the Predators that George is likely to return from his current lower-body injury this weekend when AHL Bridgeport faces Springfield. So, if George stays healthy and plays well, there’s reason to think he will get a chance eventually. 

“It’s bad luck for him,” Darche said. “If he would’ve been healthy, I wouldn’t be surprised if he would’ve had an opportunity also. It’s just that he’s been hurt. He’s supposed to play this weekend, so we’ll see where it goes.” 

McWard, a natural righty who has played on his off side for two of three games since being called up with the Islanders, has been adequate without doing much to distinguish himself from Mitchell or Warren.