NY Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield finds himself in an unfamiliar position

New York Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield signed a seven-year contract on July 1, 2023, to be a mainstay on the Islanders’ backend for years to come on Long Island. However, following an injury-filled 2023-24 and sub-par play at times in 2024-25, Mayfield has found himself in the unfamiliar position of being a healthy scratch.

“It’s hard,” Mayfield said on Tuesday. “You never want to sit out.” The increase in the Islanders’ defensive depth has given head coach Patrick Roy options in Tony DeAngelo, Scott Perunovich, and Adam Boqvist, adding a different offensive dimension that isn’t part of Mayfield’s game.

“It’s hard to sit and watch but, at the same time, I can’t control that,” Mayfield said in Newsday. “As players, you control how you play and what you do every day but you don’t control the lineup.”

GM Lou Lamoriello promised changes over the summer, and some have wondered if Mayfield could be a piece on the move. For that to happen, Mayfield will need to have a say in it, as he can’t be traded without his approval through the 2026-27 season. However, if playing time remains diminished, and Mayfield doesn’t see a full-time role for him next season, it’s possible that he would approve a move he wouldn’t otherwise consider for consistent playing time at this point of his career.

Earlier in the year, there were rumors that the Toronto Maple Leafs checked on his availability during the season. However, it's unknown whether Lamoriello was interested, and if he was, if he would inquire whether Mayfield would approve a move. Given his size and track record as a physical playoff performer, the 2011 2nd round pick should have value over the summer for the team, so they are looking to bolster their blue line. In 54 games this season, Mayfield has two goals and five assists, is a +14, and is averaging 17:09 TOI.