In his first season with the Islanders, 1999–2000, Isbister recorded a career-high 22 goals, 20 assists, and 42 points in 64 games. He continued at that pace in New York until March 11, 2003, as he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers with Raffi Torres for Janne Niinimaa and a second round draft choice (previously acquired from Washington; New York selected Evgeni Tunik) in 2003.