LA Kings

The LA Kings lock up their star forward Quinton Byfield to a five-year $31,250,000 extension. Coming off a breakout season with 55 points (20g, 35a) in 80 games, a pay raise was never a doubt for the 21-year-old.

The contract is a win for both Kings general manager Rob Blake and Byfield. At only a cap hit of $6.25 million, the deal will look extremely valuable if Quinton continues his current trajectory. But with the length coming in at five years, the projected center now hits free agency at a rather young age of only 26 years old.

Seven or eight years would’ve been nice to ease any Kings fans’ concerns over Byfield walking as a UFA in 2029. Especially seeing young NHL players take control over where they play. While I’m sure a longer term was on the table for QB, it’s hard to pass up the opportunity to cash in with the salary cap expected to rise.

So the Kings get a little stability by buying an extra UFA season with five years at a relatively low cap hit. As opposed to a “bridge deal” to preserve RFA status. And Byfield gets to collect a bag earlier than most hit unrestricted free agency.

That next contract could make him among the highest-paid in the league. Hopefully, the Kings give him a reason to stick around.

For now, it’s on Byfield to build off his breakout season now that payment has arrived. He’ll be looked on as an important piece for the LA Kings to finally find some postseason success.

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