Islanders GM Says “No Truth” To Defenseman Trade Rumors

New York Islanders GM Mathieu Darche shut down speculation about defenseman Scott Mayfield’s future on Wednesday, saying, “Those rumors, I can tell you right now, there’s no truth to any of those rumors.”

The comment came a day after The Fourth Period reported Mayfield’s tenure on Long Island “might soon come to an end” if his lack of playing time continues.

What Was Being Said

Mayfield can’t make his way into the lineup on a consistent basis, has been limited to two games this season, and wasn’t expected to play against Anaheim.

Mayfield hasn’t requested a trade, the report said, but there’s “growing belief that such an ask may come if the team continues to sit him up in the press box.”

He has a full no-trade clause this season that becomes a 16-team no-trade list next season, so he would have to approve any deal, and The Fourth Period named Anaheim, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle as teams looking for blue line help, though it didn’t say any of them wanted Mayfield.

Mayfield’s agent, Matt Keator, had been in town the previous two days, according to the New York Post, and there had been speculation that Mayfield might be open to waiving his protection and asking for a move.

Where Things Stand

Darche’s denial doesn’t change the lineup question, since Mayfield has played twice, but it does put the team’s public position on the record against the idea of a deal.

Mayfield turned 34 last week, was a second-round pick of the Islanders in 2011, and is in the fourth season of a seven-year, $24.5 million contract that carries a $3.5 million cap hit.

He had two goals and 13 assists for 15 points with 83 penalty minutes and a -11 plus/minus rating in 80 games last season.

No trade request has been reported, and Mayfield holds the no-trade clause that gives him the final say.

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