NHL Insider Links Respected Yet Physical Defenseman to the Toronto Maple Leafs
With the NHL trade deadline arriving in less than two months, the Toronto Maple Leafs are eyeing New York Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield.
Known for his physical play on the ice and his defensive reliability, Scott Mayfield could be a good addition to the defense to solidify Toronto's top four as they prepare for a playoff run.
Who is Scott Mayfield and what has he done in the NHL?
Scott Mayfield is 32 years old and he offers good penalty killing, shot-blocking, physicality, and even some offensive contributions at some time.
He has scored 2 goals and 7 points with a +13 rating in 41 games.
But even more impressive are these other stats of 70 blocked shots, and 64 hits this season while averaging 17:37 of ice time per game.
His consistent play got him a seven-year contract of $24.5 million in total from Lou Lamoriello in 2023 which is carrying a $3.5 million cap hit through the 2029-30 season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Brad Treliving would need Mayfield to waive his no-trade clause, and the Islanders might have to retain some of his salary to make a deal doable.
But the expected salary cap next season could help some concerns about his long-term cap hit.
Scott Mayfield's performance during his 11-year career makes him an appealing option for the Leafs defense.
He had career highs in goals with 6, points with 24, and ice time with 21:02 during the 2022-23 season is solidifying even more his reputation as a reliable top-four defenseman.
The Islanders are currently struggling near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings and could be sellers at the deadline.
If Lamoriello decides to move on from their defenseman, the Leafs should rapidly to grab him.
Scott Mayfield's presence could provide defensive stability for the Leafs which is much needed for a playoff push.
