Islanders Rumor Central: Nelson Suitors Grow; Mayfield Available?

The New York Islanders (17-19-7) woke up this morning in 15th place in the Eastern Conference, with a seven-point gulf between them and a playoff spot. After a total no-show 2-0 defeat to the Ottawa Senators, a team that the Islanders are directly chasing, the Islanders host the Philadelphia Flyers tonight in UBS Arena.

The Islanders have to win. Make no mistake about that fact. Another regulation loss tonight, and the gulf will more than likely grow to a virtually insurmountable nine points. Not to mention, being in 15th place, the Islanders need everyone around them to lose all while they win consistently, something that’s been a major struggle this season.

With the Islanders sinking all the way to 15th in the NHL, rumors have begun to build around who the Islanders could sell off. Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri are the highlights, but yesterday, Scott Mayfield’s name popped up in rumors.

Scott Mayfield Available?

Yesterday, Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet released a trade board that fueled speculation regarding several teams. The biggest shock for the Islanders was that Mayfield’s name was included on the board.

Said Kypreos, “Mayfield is a big, right-shot defender who kills penalties, blocks shots, and is physical. Just the type of defenceman teams seek out at the trade deadline. But he’s not a rental, which could potentially complicate things.”

Mayfield, 32, is in the second year of a seven-year extension with a $3.5 million AAV that he signed on July 1, 2023. In 2023, before the Islanders surged late to snag a late playoff spot, Mayfield seemed highly coveted as a rental, but the Islanders held onto the career Islander and clung to the group.

Two years later, Mayfield has already had some highs and lows with that new contract. Last year, he fractured his ankle very early in the season and never fully healed, resulting in a lost season for Mayfield, during which he played just 41 games and zero in the playoffs after getting shut down.

Mayfield averages 17:37 minutes per game this season, playing predominantly on the third pair and the penalty kill. He’s been strong for the Islanders and leads the team in +/- at a +13 on a team with a -17 differential. He’s played in 42 of the 43 Islanders’ games this season.

Who could be after the defender? Kypreos gave one team: “The Maple Leafs would love to get this player.”

Aside from not selling, what could hold up a deal is that Mayfield has a full no-trade clause until the summer when it drops to a 16-team clause.

Nelson Suitors, Palmieri Decision:

On Spittin’ Chiclets, a popular hockey podcast, a discussion surrounding Nelson emerged. Host Paul Bissonnette directly named the Minnesota Wild as a heavily interested club but expected the price to skyrocket. It makes sense; every year, clubs trip over themselves for valuable, versatile players with pedigree. Nelson, a versatile center who’s reliably scored 30+ goals and plays in all situations, fits that description to a tee.

Previously, Nelson’s been concretely linked to the Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, and the Winnipeg Jets. The further the Islanders fall out, the more he becomes available and the more suitors will become apparent.

Palmieri continues to find himself on these lists, but without a concrete suitor named to this point. James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now pointed out that the ex-Devil makes a ton of sense to be re-acquired by the Devils this deadline.