EAST MEADOW, NY — New York Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield did not play particularly well on Sunday in a 4-3 loss to the Dallas Stars.
And he’s paying the price for that.
After watching the Islanders’ 5-1 loss to the cross-town rival New York Rangers on Tuesday night, a game in which Mayfield’s big-body presence would have helped, the 32-year-old will be out of the lineup on Thursday against the Boston Bruins.
“I think anytime you’re out of the lineup, you just want to be playing,” Mayfield said following Wednesday’s practice. “So, it’s tough, but I know how I need to play. Coming back after that break, I didn’t like my first game back, but I know what I can do out there and how I can help the team.
“It’s just focusing on what I can control and just be ready when I get the chance.”
Mayfield wasn’t the only player that struggled against Dallas. But he was on the ice for three of Dallas’ four goals, including two after Casey Cizikas was ejected.
“I think there was rust all around. Obviously, the penalty kill is a big part of my game, and that wasn’t up to standards,” Mayfield said. “And the first thing with that, so that’s all part of it, and it goes into the decision-making. I understand, but I have to control what I can and be ready.”
It’s been a long time since Mayfield found himself out of the lineup for a reason unrelated to injury.
“I went through it a lot early on, so, I know what I need to do,” Mayfield said. “You can take it two ways. You can feel bad about yourself, or take the other way and just go to work, do whatever you can to stay ready and push yourself back in. So that’s what I’m gonna do.
“I’m always ready. I know what I need to do to stay ready. I know what it’s like when you get your chance. So, that’s all I’m focused on.”
Mayfield is in an interesting spot.
He’s in the second season of a seven-year deal worth $3.5 million annually, with a full no-trade clause.
I’ve heard, and this applies to Mayfield and other players with full no-trade clauses, that players on Long Island have zero interest in waiving their full trade protection.
Especially for the veterans who have established themselves on Long Island, why would they want to leave?
Obviously, that goes for players who are staples in the lineup.
While I don’t think Mayfield is going to serve as a healthy scratch for the rest of the season, if he does become an extra for a long stretch here — whether that’s because of his play or because Lou Lamoriello is showcasing a few other defensemen — that likely impacts Mayfield’s decision if the Islanders were to approach him about his NTC.
At this point in time, to the best of our knowledge, that has not happened yet.
The 2025 NHL Trade Deadline is on March 7th at 3 PM ET.
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