The rebuild is on for the New York Islanders.
Heading into the offseason, it was unclear if they would fully blow it up or try to retain some of their key pieces. The Islanders traded Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens for Emil Heineman and two first-rounders, and tipped their hand in doing so.
Now, NHL Insider Jeff Marek thinks New York is trying to move Scott Mayfield.
The 32-year-old has spent the entirety of his 11-year NHL career with the Islanders and has been a solid defensive defenseman. His career high in points (24) came in 2022-23, but Mayfield’s suitors are not expecting offense.
At 6-foot-5, 213 pounds, Mayfield plays the heavy, physical game necessary to survive in the gauntlet quest for the Stanley Cup and would make for a fine addition in a bottom-four role.
Mayfield is also due $3.5 million every year until he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2031. That is not a huge cap hit, especially with the salary cap on the rise. But, he does not fit New York’s timeline anymore, and can still draw a respectable package.
The Islanders should feel confident in their prospect pool, headlined by Heineman, No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer, fellow 2025 first-round picks Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson, 2024 first-round pick Cole Eiserman, and Calum Ritchie, who was the main return in the Brock Nelson trade with the Colorado Avalanche.
A Mayfield deal would likely garner a mid-round pick or a lower-tier prospect, and would provide this new front office, led by general manager Mathieu Darche, with some more money to play with this summer.
