Dec 5, 2023; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) makes a save as New York Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield (24) and San Jose Sharks right wing Justin Bailey (90) battle for the loose puck during the first period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
Just days before the start of the 2026-27 season, the New York Islanders have cleared up their blue-line depth chart, and it’s as close to chalk as it could have gone.
Isaiah George, who was competing for one of the final roster spots, and up-and-coming prospect Kashawn Aitcheson were assigned to the team’s AHL affiliate in Hamilton on Sunday, meaning that veteran Scott Mayfield will likely slot in as the right-handed option on the Islanders’ third pairing alongside Alex Romanov.
With it, second-year phenom and defending Calder Trophy winner Matthew Schaefer is expected to stay at his natural position on the left, rather than playing on his off side. He is expected to remain paired with veteran Ryan Pulock. Adam Pelech and Tony DeAngelo will likely make up New York’s second defensive pairing.
Mayfield, who is preparing for his 13th NHL season, all with the Islanders, was named by head coach Pete DeBoer a defenseman firmly on the roster bubble during training camp. The 33-year-old has done enough to make the opening-night roster, but the leash will likely be a short one.
The Islanders also signed veteran defenseman Logan Stanley to a one-year deal on Sunday, adding him to the sixth/seventh defenseman mix alongside Mayfield. The lefty has failed to live up to his first-round expectations with the Winnipeg Jets, then did not show enough in a half-season with the Buffalo Sabres last year to inspire much interest on the market this offseason. Still, the 28-year-old is a hulking, physical option to slot in toward the bottom of the defense if needed, even if it just buys more time before George and Aitcheson are truly ready to make the jump to the pros.
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