The Next Ones – Scott Mayfield – NHL 2011 Draft Prospect Profile: Ready to Take That Next Step

Please “Click Here” for “Notes Up Front” and the “Legend” for various topics covered below in my “Live Updated” NHL 2011 Draft Preview article – The Next Ones.

Scott Mayfield
Date of Birth: October 14, 1992
Place of Birth: St. Louis, Missouri
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 200
Shoots: Right
Position: Defenseman
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2011  

Scott Mayfield hockey
Scott Mayfield Admires Erik Johnson (Bridget Samuels www.flickr.com/photos/bridgetds)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One Timer:

American defenseman Scott Mayfield plays well at both ends of the ice, but isn’t particularly spectacular in any area at the young point in his career.

Mayfield sees the ice well, and has a strong outlet pass. He won’t ever be a premier puck mover, but he will definitely contribute to the offense next year at Denver University.

Playing this year for the Youngstown Phantoms may have contributed to his down offensive numbers this year however. There were not as many players at his talent level on the roster, and he stated himself that he tried to concentrate on defense more this season.

As a defender Mayfield is very reliable on the back end. He has solid positioning, and possesses good enough speed to not get beat very often. If he adds a little more strength he could become a very solid force patrolling the blue-line.

Mayfield plays like a 10 year veteran, with good hockey intelligence. He plays a very smart game and is always poised during play.

Scott Mayfield will be a great pick for a team drafting early in the second round looking for a reliable defender. He will likely spend all four years in college, but could be a really strong defender by then.

Top Prospects Game

Scott Mayfield did not participate in the top prospects game.

Statistics

Scout’s Honor

“Scott plays the body well and is physical but not in an overly rambunctious way. He can close off the forechecker up high and is controlled, poised and calm in his play. He plays like a seasoned veteran. Scott has a smooth, strong and effortless stride, his passes are crisp and he sees the ice well. He has a very good wrist shot and controls the play from the point on the power play.”

-NHL Central Scouting’s Gary Eggleston

“What everyone does agree on is that Mayfield owns the skills to be a first pair defenseman in the NHL. Also, he uses his 6’4” 200lb frame to play with a nasty edge. He skates well with a powerful stride that allows him to take ice quickly and move well laterally, Mayfield’s 1 on 1 skills were without par at the USHL level including the USNTDP squads. His long reach, good footwork and text book technique made him very difficult to beat.”

-The Scouting Report’s Rich Michalowski

Bio/Interview(s)/Link(s):
Future Considerations Bio (By THW’s Own Brian Huddle)
McKeen’s Hockey interview

International Tournaments:

Named the MVP for the USA in the 2010 World Junior A Challenge.

ETA= 4 years

Risk-Reward Analysis:

Risk – 2.5/5 Reward – 4/5

NHL Potential:

A top line physical defenseman with offensive upside.

Strengths:

*See “One Timer” Section Above

  • Good size
  • Approprately nasty
  • Very physical
  • Crisp, accurate first pass
  • Veteran Poise
  • Strong stride
  • Accurate shot

Flaws/Aspects He Needs to Work On:

  • Overall offensive game
  • Consistancy
  • Better decision making with the puck

Fantasy Hockey Potential: Offensive = 7.5/10 Defensive = 8.5/10

NHL Player(s) Comparisons:

Erik Johnson, Jack Johnson

Video(s)

Off The Iron (Interesting Notes):

THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph

Follow Patrick Kearns on Twitter @THWpkearns for prospect info and updates.