New York locked in one of its young defensemen on Tuesday, agreeing to a two-year, $1.25 million deal with Scott Mayfield, per Newsday.
The contract carries a $625,000 average annual cap hit, down from the $925,000 he was netting on his entry-level deal.
Mayfield, 23, turned pro a few years ago but has spent extensive time grooming in the AHL, where he’s been a regular contributor for Bridgeport. He made his NHL debut in ’13-14 and stuck around for a brief five-game stint, then spent all of the ’14-15 regular season in the minors before getting called up and making his Stanley Cup playoff debut against the Caps (that debut coming with the Isles’ blueline decimated by injury).
Last year, injuries again paved the way for a Mayfield recall. He appeared in six regular-season games, but didn’t see any time in the postseason.
At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, Mayfield is a big, physical player and that’ll likely be his ticket to extended minutes with the Isles this year -- if he gets them, of course.
The Isles have seven other d-men under contract -- Johnny Boychuk, Nick Leddy, Travis Hamonic, Thomas Hickey, Calvin de Haan, Ryan Pulock, Adam Pelech -- though it’s worth noting Mayfield’s contract is of the one-way variety, meaning he gets his $625,000 regardless of where he plays.