The New York Islanders have had a very disappointing season and there has been little to be excited about. But one of the bright spots this year has been Scott Mayfield. The right-handed defenseman was having one of the best years of his career before his season-ending injury. Therefore, the Islanders should extend Mayfield this offseason.

Mayfield was drafted by the Islanders 34th overall in the 2011 NHL Draft. He is known for being a defense-first defenseman who is a big body on the penalty-kill. Before his injury, he was on pace to set career-highs in blocked shots and takeaways, plus post the most hits of his career since his 2018-2019 season.

Analytically, the opposition goal expected percentage increased from 47.2% to 52%. He not only is putting up better individual statistics, but he is helping the Islanders’ defensive unit as a whole by decreasing scoring opportunities for opposing teams.

On another note, before his injury, Mayfield was putting up the best offensive numbers of his career. In 61 games, he had three goals, 15 assists and 18 points. That was one point below his career high of 19 points in 2018-2019 — in 18 less games. Mayfield was also putting up .75 assists per 60 minutes of ice time. This is the highest mark he has put up in his career with a minimum of 30 games played.

“He’s learned you don’t have to throw for the touchdown all the time,” Islanders’ head coach Barry Trotz said in February. “Sometimes you throw those 15-, 10-yard passes, 5-yard passes when needed.”

Scott Mayfield is not an elite defenseman like Cale Makar or Roman Josi, but does all the little things right. Under Trotz, he has really flourished into a great shutdown defenseman, while increasing his offensive production and maturity.

Therefore, Mayfield is big part of this team’s core, and should be extended during the 2022 NHL offseason.

John Smark