Islanders Rumors: 2 Players Named Buyout Candidates
With new leadership incoming following Lou Lamoriello’s departure, the New York Islanders are preparing for a busy summer.
Among the many decisions awaiting the next general manager will be whether to buy out veterans Scott Mayfield and Pierre Engvall, whose contracts have become potential liabilities, Arthur Staple of The Athletic writes. Mayfield, 32, has struggled with injuries and declining play since signing his seven-year, $24.5 million deal.
According to PuckPedia, buying him out would save the Islanders $2.33 million annually over the next five years but leave a $1.17 million cap hit on the books through 2035.
Pierre Engvall's Future in Question After Inconsistent Season
Engvall’s situation is similarly complicated. Signed to a seven-year, $21 million deal in 2023, the 28-year-old winger never fully met expectations, often finding himself a healthy scratch.
A buyout of Engvall would spread a $1 million annual cap hit over 10 years, creating $2 million in cap savings during the next five seasons. Given Engvall’s youth and flashes of strong play, the Islanders could decide to give him another year under new management—but the long-term financial burden makes a buyout a very real possibility.
Who were the fastest forwards of 2024-25?
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) April 28, 2025
Thanks to the NHL's tracking data we can find out.
Here are the quickest by top speed and sustained bursts above 20 and 22 miles per hour: pic.twitter.com/l4Pka409gT
New Era, Tough Choices for the Islanders
With a new general manager expected to reshape the Islanders’ roster, both Mayfield and Engvall’s futures are firmly in doubt.
The team’s need for greater flexibility and better on-ice performance could push them toward making tough calls once the buyout window opens in late June.
According to the NHL's tracking data, which defencemen played the slowest in 2024-25? pic.twitter.com/j8cg5Q4pgi
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) April 28, 2025
Photo Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
