New York Islanders 2017-18 Season Scratch Candidates

Scott Mayfield

When it comes to the defense Scott Mayfield gets the scratch list simply due to numbers. At the moment the Isles have an eight man defensive unit and that includes the honorable mention, Dennis Seidenberg.

With Adam Pelech’s protection status during the expansion draft and his recent $6.4 million four year deal, there’s just no way that Mayfield gets a sniff at regular team action unless there’s an injury.

Mayfield had a great extended skate with the team last year. When not on the scratch pad in 2016-17, Mayfield contributed nine points in 25 games. It doesn’t sound like a lot.

But when you put that production in a per-60 context he’s got a nice 1.37 points per 60 in 5on5 situations. The highest rating for defensemen on the season.

Outside of his offensive production Mayfield was a nice physical addition to the team. Standing 6’5″ and weighing 218lbs, Mayfield wasn’t afraid to throw his weight around or let his fists do the talking.

It’s a great quality to have, but it’s not an all situations type of skill set. If and when the Isles need that physical presence against other physical sides, Mayfield will likely slide off the scratch pad and onto the ice.

Next: Isles Are Due For A New Goal Song

Who makes your 20-man game day roster? Does Barzal or Ho-Sang make it? Because if so two names have to go. And if Barzal doesn’t make the roster who plays center? Brock on the second line and Beauvillier on the third? And is that better than last year’s setup?