I thought Berube played really well in limited action last year, especially for not seeing much time in goal.

I think a team like Dallas would grab him off the wire in millisecond.
- eichiefs9

I agree and it was only for a short time, but he made some nice saves in that playoff game. It's a tough spot because 3 goalies are not the best, but Halak has an injury history.

Yeah it's a fair point of view and I'm not saying I think Berube is a future all-star or anything. Just that all things considered, we have a really deep defensive corps and I personally find Mayfield to be more expendable going forward.
- eichiefs9

I think I'm looking more at the limited roster spots for spares that we'll need to cover injuries and I'd rather have 2d 1F or 2F 1D than 1d, 1f and an extra goalie that might play 5 games all year if our goaltenders are relatively healthy. If Halak goes down I think Greiss should be able to play the bulk of the games, and then Berube's taking up a spot to sit on the bench as a backup when/if Halak gets hurt.

that said, if snow hides players on IR again and skirts the 23 man limit using the same tactics we've seen from him (cough*boulton*cough*), it may be fine.

- eichiefs9

awesome

I don't think he's slow, I think he gets caught flat footed at times which is why I don't think he's nhl ready for a full time job, but as an injury replacement on the third pairing for a game here or there I think he'd be fine.
- Isles_since_6

I think as it stands right now there most likely is not a place for Mayfield with all the d men they have signed. I personally am not a fan of DeHaan, as I feel like he's been a bit of a dissapointment overall. I do however think that if given the oppurtunity, Mayfield can play at the NHL level. Will he ever be a star, no, but for a big dman with hands, i'd like to see him playing. How many years have the isles been anemic from the backend. Mayfield can get the puck on net....

Brett Cyrgalis ‏@BrettCyrgalis 10m10 minutes ago
Johnny Boychuk participating at #Isles camp, yet he seems to be going at it somewhat gingerly. Hasn't played a preseason game as precaution.

I agree and it was only for a short time, but he made some nice saves in that playoff game. It's a tough spot because 3 goalies are not the best, but Halak has an injury history.
- ses111

I think thats why they roll with three....

Snow's going to have to do something. He can only protect four defensemen. He's going to lose one of Hickey or de Haan in the expansion draft. Better to move one of them now for an asset that can be protected than to just have them leave for nothing during the expansion draft. There is a premium paid for Defensemen. CDH and a forward (considering they may lose a desirable forward as well) would probably bring back a legit top six winger.
- Jethro09

I think a trade is coming. There's too many players at EVERY position.

I think as it stands right now there most likely is not a place for Mayfield with all the d men they have signed. I personally am not a fan of DeHaan, as I feel like he's been a bit of a dissapointment overall. I do however think that if given the oppurtunity, Mayfield can play at the NHL level. Will he ever be a star, no, but for a big dman with hands, i'd like to see him playing. How many years have the isles been anemic from the backend. Mayfield can get the puck on net....
- kindlyrick

I just like that he's not afraid to put people in front of the net on their butts rather than backing into and screening his own goaltender like so many of the string-bean "intelligent" defensemen we've been force fed as viable depth options over the years.

Don't see an issue with 8 D if they're used properly. There are always injuries...8 can become 7 and then 6 in the blink of an eye...and I've said before I think it'd be a good idea to not think in terms of "6, 7, and 8" but rather use a different mix of bottom-pair d-men depending on the type of opponent.

He was average (below average stats although small sample size). I never thought while watching him that I was watching a future starter. I don't know that mayfield ever develops into an everyday NHL defenseman, but I think it's more likely that someone takes a big right shooting defenseman than a goalie on waivers. I don't see berube as someone we need going forward. Just my opinion.
- Isles_since_6

Mayfield is a tough defenseman who uses that to his advantage, (WSH playoff series 2 years ago) but if he can't improve his lateral movement he's never going to stick full time in the NHL because the faster forwards push wide on him and he can't handle that at this level right now.

i hope no one on that train was wearing #66...

Mayfield is a tough defenseman who uses that to his advantage, (WSH playoff series 2 years ago) but if he can't improve his lateral movement he's never going to stick full time in the NHL because the faster forwards push wide on him and he can't handle that at this level right now.
- brodydog29

See and I disagree with this.......he's not getting beat shift after shift. Every dman gets beat wide at some point. Overall he's played a sound game. Big dman who can move the puck up are what you want.......he can do that.

I just like that he's not afraid to put people in front of the net on their butts rather than backing into and screening his own goaltender like so many of the string-bean "intelligent" defensemen we've been force fed as viable depth options over the years.

Don't see an issue with 8 D if they're used properly. There are always injuries...8 can become 7 and then 6 in the blink of an eye...and I've said before I think it'd be a good idea to not think in terms of "6, 7, and 8" but rather use a different mix of bottom-pair d-men depending on the type of opponent.
- UIF

Couldnt have said that better if I tried.

I just like that he's not afraid to put people in front of the net on their butts rather than backing into and screening his own goaltender like so many of the string-bean "intelligent" defensemen we've been force fed as viable depth options over the years.

Don't see an issue with 8 D if they're used properly. There are always injuries...8 can become 7 and then 6 in the blink of an eye...and I've said before I think it'd be a good idea to not think in terms of "6, 7, and 8" but rather use a different mix of bottom-pair d-men depending on the type of opponent.
- UIF

I do like that Mayfield plays a tough game. Isles have some tough decisions to make.

See and I disagree with this.......he's not getting beat shift after shift. Every dman gets beat wide at some point. Overall he's played a sound game. Big dman who can move the puck up are what you want.......he can do that.
- kindlyrick

Never said he gets beat shift after shift. But when it happens, like someone else said, he's on his heels and then gets caught scrambling/chasing and the D breaks down. That's why he didn't stick last season.

I do like that Mayfield plays a tough game. Isles have some tough decisions to make.
- ses111

Its funny to me that Mayfield and Pelech last year came up and neither looked out of place. Yet, all season they opted for a healthy Strait and Zidlicky. It was mind boggling.

i hope no one on that train was wearing #66...


- batteryjackson

That's wrong.

Never said he gets beat shift after shift. But when it happens, like someone else said, he's on his heels and then gets caught scrambling/chasing and the D breaks down. That's why he didn't stick last season.
- brodydog29

Thats just inexperience.....and the NHL being a faster game than the A. Like any other young dman it takes time to adjust. I think Mayfield gets a bad rap cause he's a big body. But, I think he's an NHL dman.

Thats just inexperience.....and the NHL being a faster game than the A. Like any other young dman it takes time to adjust. I think Mayfield gets a bad rap cause he's a big body. But, I think he's an NHL dman.
- kindlyrick

Mayfield has not exactly been given a long look. I'm not saying he needs to be in the top 4.

Mayfield has not exactly been given a long look. I'm not saying he needs to be in the top 4.
- ses111

I agree and thats my point. After the obvious top three (Hamonic, Boychuk, Leddy) I dont think anyone really stands out to me. The last three jobs should be up for grabs. Well, technically the last two......cause I think Pulock and his shot are a must have in the lineup.

I agree and thats my point. After the obvious top three (Hamonic, Boychuk, Leddy) I dont think anyone really stands out to me. The last three jobs should be up for grabs. Well, technically the last two......cause I think Pulock and his shot are a must have in the lineup.
- kindlyrick

Mayfield should have been given more looks over Strait and Zid.

Mayfield should have been given more looks over Strait and Zid.
- ses111

100%

100%
- kindlyrick

Zid was toast if he played a couple of games in a row. No need to mention anything about Mr. heavy game.

Zid was toast if he played a couple of games in a row. No need to mention anything about Mr. heavy game.
- ses111

zid was impressive in the playoffs (serviceable) compared to how he looked during the season (horrible)

zid was impressive in the playoffs (serviceable) compared to how he looked during the season (horrible)
- batteryjackson

Seidenberg > Zidlicky

Thats because Cizikas is not a real "4th line guy". I've been saying it for a while. He can play.....he's legit.
- kindlyrick

im Cizikas biggest fan, you don't have to tell me, im excited.