The Islanders and defenseman Scott Mayfield have agreed to terms on a five-year deal. The cap hit is $1.45M.
The 25-year-old Mayfield has two goals and eight assists in 29 games. He’s exceeded my expectations, but he’s a third-pairing defenseman. While the cap hit is fine, it’s the term that bothers me. Why five years? General manager Garth Snow loves giving long-term extensions (Casey Cizikas, Cal Clutterbuck, Adam Pelech). While some have work (see John Tavares and Nick Leddy), others have not (see Clutterbuck and likely Johnny Boychuk).
Snow now has four defensemen on long-term deals. Let’s hope Thomas Hickey doesn’t become number five.
The team looks to snap a three-game losing streak against the Flyers in Philly tonight. The Bombogenesis/Bomb Cyclone double bill would’ve likely canceled the game had it been in Brooklyn. Thomas Greiss will start for the first time since December 19th against the Detroit Red Wings. He did play a period in Sunday night’s debacle in Denver. Greiss was bound to get a start in these back-to-backs.
Dennis Seidenberg will replace Sebastian Aho in the lineup. Seidenberg will somehow play with Nick Leddy on the first pair.