Quinton Byfield will make 2021-22 season debut against Avalanche

Some big news to kick off this fine Thursday morning. In advance of tonight’s game against the Colorado Avalanche, Quinton Byfield has been recalled from AHL Ontario and is expected to make his season debut, the LA Kings announced.

The @LAKings have made the following player transaction:

Quinton Byfield (F) has been recalled from the @ontarioreign. The 6'5, 220-pound center is expected to make his season debut tonight.

RELEASE: https://t.co/kfudOyWAPJ @Enterprise | #PlayersOnTheMove

— LA Kings PR (@LAKingsPR) January 20, 2022

After a delayed start to the year because of a fractured ankle, the 19-year-old started his year on December 10 with the Ontario Reign. After a handful of games of no productivity, Byfield has been red-hot lately, tallying four goals and six points over his last six games.

The Newmarket, Ontario native was selected with the second overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft and played the maximum six games allowed last year without starting the clock on his entry-level contract. He recorded just one point while averaging 15:01 time-on-ice.

Now, it’ll be interesting to see what the corresponding roster move is. Byfield likely slots into the 3C for Kupari, but does the Finnish forward slide over to the wing in place of Alex Turcotte or Samuel Fagemo?

Also, Todd McLellan indicated that Andreas Athanasiou and Carl Grundstrom are due back. Plenty of roster shuffling ahead, and Byfield is certainly not being eased back into the NHL against the Avalanche.

Still, the LA Kings could use a shot in the arm offensively right now after losing two consecutive games.

For the full preview of tonight’s game and what to watch for, see below.

Three things to watch in LA Kings vs Colorado Avalanche on Thursday