Denver-bound Scott Mayfield ready for NHL Draft
For teams drafting late in the first round and looking for a solid, smooth skating, physical defenseman with great offensive potential, Scott Mayfield is to be considered.
At 6’4″, 200 pounds, the 1992-born prospect already has the size to blend into an NHL lineup after this month’s NHL Entry Draft.
The American has the tools to be considered a two-way defenceman, too.
“I like to play the corners, hit and use my size in the defensive zone and I also take pride in blocking shots as well,” Mayfield said. “But I think the strongest part of my game is my transition game where I use my skating ability to get through the neutral zone, so I try to play balanced every game.”
The 18-year-old rearguard played the past two seasons in the United States Hockey League with the Youngstown Phantoms, during which he recorded 17 goals, 38 points and 304 penalty minutes in 111 games.
Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Mayfield grew up watching his hometown team, the St. Louis Blues.
“I liked watching Chris Pronger growing up, so that’s a name that comes up a lot,” he said. “He’s a big bodied defenseman with an offensive upside, so I learned a lot from his game, but another guy I really enjoy watching now is Erik Johnson.”
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Like Pronger and Johnson, Mayfield is known to not only have that physical element and superb skating, but the leadership skills both on and off the ice as well.
“I think I’m a good leader on the ice and in the dressing room,” he said. “I wore a letter in Youngstown and I think it’s important to have those leadership skills, especially if you’re trying to make it to the next level.”
Although the Kitchener Rangers own Mayfield’s junior rights, he has committed to the University of Denver (DU), as education is something Mayfield considers to be of the utmost importance.
“Education is huge for me, and that’s one of the reasons I chose to play college over major junior,” he explained. “I’ve always kept good grades in high school and I think my interest in education is definitely one of my strong off-ice traits.”
Personality aside, many scouts have harmonized that Mayfield’s downside is not breaking into the offensive zone, but working with the puck once he enters the zone. This is something he recognizes and continues to work toward improving.
Luckily for him, the renowned DU program prides itself on catering to players and their specific talents.
“When I get into the offensive zone I want to work on making better decisions with the puck and using my skill to produce offense more effectively,” Mayfield said. “I think playing with Denver is only going to help with that part of my game because I’ll be playing with older, more experienced players and they do a great job helping with development there.”
But development didn’t always come easy for Mayfield as the large defenseman grew up playing double-A hockey in St. Louis after being cut from several triple-A teams.
“I definitely use that as motivation now,” he said. “I’ve come a long way and improved my game all around so, it’s something you just have to turn into a positive and it definitely made me a stronger player and person.”
His NHL translation is said to be a smooth-skating, physical defenseman with great offensive instincts.
To this, Mayfield concurs.
“I think I could fit in as a shut-down defenseman who is able to play big minutes,” he offered. “I’ve always played a strong defensive game with an offensive upside, but defense comes first and the offensive will come as long as I continue playing strong in my own end.”
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Check out more of The Good Point’s 2011 NHL Entry Draft Prospects Series.
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