NY Islanders 2022-23 player preview: Scott Mayfield

Scott Mayfield was selected by the NY Islanders in the second round of the 2011 NHL Draft. Mayfield played college hockey at the University of Denver where he made a name for himself on the ice. He concluded his college playing career when he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Islanders in April of 2013 and joined then AHL affiliate Bridgeport Sound Tigers (now Islanders) to conclude their season.

Fast forward almost about nine years later and Mayfield is a mainstay on the Islanders' blue line. Mostly known as a defensive defenseman, Mayfield has the tendency to surprise you once in a while with some decent footwork and an underrated shot.

Last season, Mayfield picked up 18 points on three goals and 15 assists. He has been fairly consistent in the helpers department, showing glimpses of playmaking ability throughout his career averaging roughly 12 assists per season over the last five seasons. On the defensive side of things, Mayfield picked up 77 hits and averaged about 1.3 hits per game.

Playing for the Islanders on a bargain contract, he enters the final year of his deal that holds an AAV of $1.45 million and one can reasonably speculate if this could be Mayfield's final season on Long Island.

"I love it here. My wife loves it here. We have our house. You kind of set up home base here. We’re staying this summer, so we love it on the island, but I have no expectations"

- Scott Mayfield

By the time his current contract ends, Mayfield will be 31 years old, which will be a factor in his next contract negotiations.

Last year, Mayfield achieved his career-high TOI, 19:41 after Covid ran rampant through the Islanders roster, opening the opportunity for an increased role. Heading into 2022-23, Mayfield is projected to play on the Islanders' third pair. He's the only shoo-in for third pair minutes as Robin Salo, Sebastian Aho, and Dennis Cholowski will all compete to play on his left.

Mayfield could be doing double duty as the veteran helping develop whoever ends up as his D-partner. Along with playing well on the ice, and maintaining a 20-point season, roughly, Mayfield will also prove to be a mentor to some of the young new defensemen.

Read more season previews: Sebastian Aho | Josh Bailey | Mathew Barzal | Anthony Beauvillier | Kieffer Bellows | Cal Clutterbuck | Noah Dobson | Ross Johnston| Anders Lee | Matt Martin