LA Kings Training Camp Preview: Quinton Byfield

With training camp just around the corner, we are previewing each player on the LA Kings roster. Up next: Quinton Byfield!

Quinton Byfield

Birthdate: August 19, 2002

Birthplace: Newmarket, Ontario

Height: 6’5

Weight: 216 lbs

Position: Center/Left wing

Shoots: Left

Draft: 1st round, 2nd overall, 2020 NHL Entry Draft

2023-24 season

He finally did it. Quinton Byfield took that huge step and had a breakout season everyone was hoping for. Byfield was Anze Kopitar’s wing on the first line, a line former head coach Tod McLellan threw together in a December game against the Colorado Avalanche in the third period with the Kings down 4-2.

Byfield showed glimpses of potential on the top line with Kopitar the previous season, even though the production wasn’t there. A fully healthy and top-line player of Byfield took off from game one to game 82 with a cold streak toward the end of the season sprinkled in there this past season. A player who looked to be passive playing with Adrain Kempe and Kopitar became a player who carried the line on most nights and was often the best player on it.

The skating, the speed, and the stick handling were all on display throughout the season with his highlight goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets in February. However, down the stretch, Byfield slowed down, as he went pointless in nine straight games before recording a goal and an assist in the season finale to secure those bonuses in his entry-level contract. For the season, Byfield recorded 55 points (20G – 35A) in 80 games and four assists in five playoff games as the Edmonton Oilers sent the Kings home in the first round for the third consecutive year.

2024-25 outlook

After a breakout season, the Kings and Byfield agreed to a five-year contract; he’ll be an unrestricted free agent after the contract. With Pierre-Luc Dubois shipped off to the Washington Capitals, Byfield is expected to slide back to the center position. The position isn’t unchartered territory for Byfield as he was a center in juniors, the AHL, and the beginning of his NHL career before shifting to the wing.

Now he’ll be able to drive his line at center, get more puck touches, be in the middle of the ice, and play with either Kevin Fiala or Warren Foegele.

Last season was a step in the right direction for the 22-year-old. Being able to play center and taking that next step in his progression would give the organization plenty of confidence in him being the 1C when Kopitar calls it a career. By the looks of his offseason training, he is ready and poised for another good season.

Featured image credit: Jayne Kamine-Oncea/Associated Press

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1 thought on “LA Kings Training Camp Preview: Quinton Byfield”

  1. Some have speculated the defensively responsible Foegle, is a good fit for the QB – Fiala pair.
    I like that and I would like to see Jeannot get a shot with Kopi and Kempe
    Laffy goes on line 3 with Dault and Mo.
    If it doesn’t work you scramble the adds to the mentioned pairs.

    LFG!

    Reply

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