Scott Mayfield
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Birthday:
1992-11-14 |
Position:
D |
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Eligible for draft:
2011 |
Shoots:
Right |
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Drafted:
2011 |
Height:
6-4 |
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Acquired:
2nd round (34th overall), 2011 |
Weight:
200 lbs. |
Prospect Talent Score
Probability of Success
- C
History
2009-10: Scott Mayfield was initially drafted by the Indiana Ice of the USHL but was immediately traded to the Youngstown Phantoms where in 59 games he posted 10 goals, 12 assists, and 145 penalty minutes. His play garnered enough attention for him to receive an invitation to the NHL Research, Development and Orientation camp where he opened up a lot of eyes.
2010-11: After starting his second season in Youngstown, Mayfield was invited to the World Junior-A Challenge where after posting an assist in four games and shutting down the opposition with aplomb, he would receive Tournament MVP honors. In 52 games for the Phantoms, Mayfield scored 7 goals and added 9 assists for 16 points while adding 159 penalty minutes.
2011-12: Mayfield stepped into a first-pairing defense role for the University of Denver as a freshman; skating alongside junior Paul Phillips for the Pioneers. In 42 games he scored 3 goals with 9 assists and was plus-five with a team-high 76 penalty minutes. Denver finished third in the WCHA and earned an NCAA tournament bid after reaching the WCHA championship game against North Dakota.
Talent Analysis
Mayfield is very much a prototypical NHL defenseman in the sense he is a strong skater, at 6'4 has size, and possesses a natural feel for the ice and the puck that can not simply be taught. At the Junior-A level, he is very much a free-wheeling defenseman, jumping up in the rush and dictating the offense from the neutral zone.
The finer points of the 18-year-old's game are for the most part impressive. His transition game is solid, whether he is lugging the puck through two zones or using a short pass to break a forward into the offensive zone. He has a feel for when defenders are bearing down on him and is able to move out of checks while protecting the puck. He also for the most part does a good job controlling the puck along the blue line.
Scheduled to play at DU in 2011, Mayfield will have to simplify his game so he does not take as many risks from the blue line, and leave his forwards exposed.
There are very few serious red flags on Mayfield as a prospect, even fewer he seems to not be aware of. He is listed at 200 pounds but looks to be closer to 185. Regardless, he is relatively close to his ideal playing weight. He still needs to learn to fully utilize his pterodactyl reach and play more physically in his own zone. He needs to shoot the puck more as well and in general play with more poise.
Offensively, Mayfield has a booming point shot and underrated hands when getting in closer to the net. He needs to have more confidence in his shot as well as his passing ability, as he often will look to make the simple play even though he has an open shooting or passing lane.
Going to DU should be beneficial to Mayfield as the program is not only strong, but good at catering to players and their specific talents. In a more structured environment, Mayfield should be able to develop into a top-four defenseman capable of playing over 20 minutes a game and in all situations. With several high profile players at DU signing pro contracts, Mayfield could see top-four minutes right away.
Future
Will attend the University of Denver for at least two years if not more. Mayfield is still very lanky and would benefit from more time at the University of Denver to gain valuable experience as well as fill out his frame.
