The New York Islanders signed Scott Mayfield to a five-year, $1.45 million average contract, continuing to lock up their young defense long-term.
Despite the awkward timing of this move, it’s one that is good for the future of the New York Islanders’ organization.
Fans have been calling for the Islanders to start making moves, some kind of shift in the current roster to help break them out of a nasty funk that’s been plaguing their poor play as of late. But, those fans probably didn’t imagine this.
After locking up Adam Pelech for four years in the offseason, the Islanders have inked one of the bigger surprises of the 2017-18 season in Mayfield.
In the beginning of the season, Mayfield made an early impression with many in and around the organization with comments like this:
Scott Mayfield on #Isles D: "Everyone knows what Travis meant to the organization. But now there's also a spot open there and I want it."
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) September 14, 2017
Mayfield started off the season very strong, being one of the Isles brighter spots on a blueline plagued by struggles and inconsistency. As of late, Mayfield’s struggles have reflected the stats of the overall defense, but playing in his first full NHL season struggles are more than expected.
With the current set of struggles facing the Isles, it’s a bit harder to think long-term. These deals for players such as Pelech and Mayfield are perfect, long-term, affordable contracts that can be moved in the future should things not pan out.
That notion goes for Mayfield, Pelech, and Ryan Pulock among others who are expected to re-up with similar-looking contracts.
In 29 games this season, Mayfield has two goals and 10 points with a minus-one rating.
