Islanders Scott Mayfield Being Tested In More Ways Than One At Training Camp

Eleven. That's how many games New York Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield played under head coach Patrick Roy last season due to an ankle injury.

EAST MEADOW, NY -- Eleven. That's how many games New York Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield played under head coach Patrick Roy last season due to an ankle injury. 

After fracturing the ankle on opening night after blocking a Rasmus Dahlin shot, Mayfield did all he could for his team, playing in another 40 games before electing for season-ending surgery on March 26. 

Now back healthy, Mayfield is ready to get reacclimated to the Roy system. 

"Every day is big. I'm just getting reps in and familiarizing myself with Patty. I only got eleven games under him. And a lot of those games, I was more worried about some other stuff that was going on than necessarily learning systems and all that. So, it's a big camp for me."

As for the ankle:

"The ankle feels fine. I've been doing a ton of bag skates this summer. I love where my body's at," Mayfield said. "For me, it's the battles, that in-tight stuff. That's what I need to get used to more, the little in-tight physical play. That's what's hard to replicate in the summer; the long stride bag skates you can replicate pretty easily in the summer."

A healthy Mayfield is integral to a bounce-back year for what was the league-worst penalty kill (71.3%). 

There's no question that Mayfield struggled to play to the best of his abilities in the first year of a seven-year deal worth $3.5 million annually, in large part due to the injury. 

He wasn't just being heavily tested physically, but mentally as well. 

"That's half the battle when you're injured is trying to figure out that balance. You're worried about the ankle, but at the same time, you got to go out and play. So it's definitely a relief. It feels good out there."

Mayfield has gone through injuries before, but never ones that required going under the knife. 

"My other injuries were a little bit different in terms of no surgery, just let it heal, missing the last 15 games or whatever a few year ago.  But it wasn't something I was battling all season, so [this time] was definitely a little bit different.

"The summer was big for me, and I worked really, really hard, and I'm happy where everything's at," Mayfield said. "So it's just time to get it going."

Mayfield and his teammates learned the definition of a Roy masterclass on day one. But it was ultra-important, and the players understood it. 

"Today was hard. He's definitely teaching some fundamental stuff that we're gonna have to have to learn and make sure we execute," Mayfield said. "The bags skate the end that happens all over the place. No matter who the coach is, they're gonna like to skate you a couple of times starting up, and it's good for us. 

"It not only makes you stronger. But some of those tough games, getting late in games, whether it's overtime or protecting the lead, all that stuff comes in handy."

Mayfield opened up the season with Sebastian Aho as his linemate, but after the acquisition of Mike Reilly in late November, those two became a duo. 

Reilly, who is back on a one-year deal worth $1.25 million, provides the speed and transition game, while Mayfield works on keeping opponents from possessing the puck below the dot, in the slot, and disallowing screens.  

Although Reilly's time with Mayfield wasn't long, the NHL journeyman did his homework. 

For those who don't know, Reilly and former Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy have been close friends for a long time. 

Leddy skated with Mayfield. 

"I knew back in the day he was playing with him just because I talked to Nick almost every day. So, I already knew that coming in, there was a chance we could be paired together. But, yeah, it's exciting.

"Last year, we moved the D pairs around with end-of-year injuries. It's exciting that we're all kind of healthy going into camp into the year."

Per Patrick Roy, the plan is for Reilly and Mayfield to stick together.

“Scotty didn't play much last year. I mean, he went off for a long period of time, so I think it's important for him to feel comfortable with Mike," Roy said. "It'll be good to try them early on."

The two were paired together for day one of camp, and unless general manager Lou Lamoriello wants to see some things, this pairing isn't likely to be touched.