Kyle Garcia 
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, 2022
Birthplace: Newmarket, Ontario
Height: 6’5
Weight: 225 lbs
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Draft: 1st round, 2nd overall, 2020 NHL Entry Draft
2024-25 season
The first year of Quinton Byfield’s five-year contract ended with 23 goals and 54 points. After a strong 2023-24 campaign, expectations were high on the former second overall pick, especially with a move back to center. Byfield started the season cold after a strong preseason showing, recording five assists in the team’s first 13 games. The slow start prompted head coach Jim Hiller to move the forward to wing, a move that proved short-lived.
Despite some ups and downs, Byfield played most of the season at center. He finished the season strong, scoring 12 goals in his final 21 games, including a five-game goal streak. The young centerman also posted four points (3 G, 1 A) in six playoff games.
BOOM 💥
Quinton Byfield scores the @Energizer OT winner and hits the BOOM celly with A.J. and Big Justice (@ajbefumo) in the building! pic.twitter.com/ppbMtYGfZK
— NHL (@NHL) March 9, 2025
QUINTON BYFIELD SHORTHANDED OH MY pic.twitter.com/jDuEmVkeU8
— LA Kings (@LAKings) March 12, 2025
DON’T LOOK NOW BUT QUINTON BYFIELD HAS GOALS IN 5 STRAIGHT pic.twitter.com/1ox184GwVj
— LA Kings (@LAKings) March 14, 2025
Quinton Byfield roofed it! 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/IyZ5mdfTqp
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 24, 2025
2025-26 outlook
Two things need to happen for Byfield and the Kings this upcoming season. First, the organization needs to play him exclusively at center. Even if he starts the season cold, there should be no need to move him to wing. Trust and faith need to be there if he is the heir apparent to Anze Kopitar.
Secondly, the production and elevated role for Byfield need to come eventually to pave the way for the torch to be passed from Kopitar to him. With Byfield playing more minutes at 5v5 and on the penalty kill last season, per Natural Stat Trick, perhaps that torch is slowly being passed. Either way, the next step for Byfield needs to be taken.
Marco Sturm had the chance to coach Quinton Byfield and he see’s a future NHL superstar ⭐️👀https://t.co/VwSY2gzWlY pic.twitter.com/HIXKnyWYfT
— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) July 29, 2025
If Hiller doesn’t load up with him, Kevin Fiala, and Adrian Kempe on a line, I expect the trio of him, Fiala, and Warren Foegele to start the season together. Also, the soon-to-be 23-year-old was invited to Team Canada’s 2026 Olympic orientation camp, along with teammate Drew Doughty. If he makes a good enough impression, we could see him represent his country.
Macklin Celebrini, Connor Bedard, and Quinton Byfield among the newcomers joining Canada’s 2026 Olympic orientation camp, which will take place in August 👀
Full roster ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Xp2wSQCjBb
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) August 1, 2025
Featured image credit: Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images