Speculation: Another year of this Bluc **** (The 2024-25 season thread)

[SettlementRichie10]

Byfield is clearly struggling with the puck. There is nothing wrong with the effort, the decision making, anything that would suggest a significant problem. He simply has no feel for the puck right now.

He is pushing the puck up ahead on the ice instead of stick handling. Passes and shots are getting thrown in the direction of where he wants them to go with no finesse or touch. The most likely scenario is a physical issue compounded by a severe lack on confidence. We know he has had issues with both wrists over the last 18 months, wouldn't surprise me at all if it is the same or a similar problem.

And anyone complaining about Saturday's performance wasn't paying any attention. He had multiple outstanding defensive plays, very easily could (should) have had a primary assist 20 seconds into the game and was involved in several chances later. You worry when there are no chances and other aspects of his game fade. And they aren't fading, they are getting stronger.

This is all being massively blown out of proportion due to stat watching. The team has had a very, very good start, and Byfield is finally playing center AND doing an excellent job on the PK. Let's calm this shit down for a bit and see what happens.

The Kopitar career points tracker is currently the best thread on the forum.

 

[FSL KINGS]

So 50 points is sufficient from your 2nd overall pick while being on the 1st line ? 50 points wouldn’t even get us in the playoffs

Outside of Blake getting really lucky & pulling some key pieces out of his . . . Hat, I'm expecting this team to bottom out in a few years. The bottoming out will be greatly accelerated if Blake keeps burning assets, going for it.

 

[Sol]

Because prolonged periods of slow measurable growth followed by a sudden sharp decline point point more to “oh shit what happened” than “ah yeah this worst version of him is who he is now and going forward.”

“Slow measurable growth” sure bro. There’s always an excuse why he’s not set himself apart from the other players.

The fact that Laferierre has found his game in what? A year? And Byfield “is struggling with the puck”

Don’t you think it’s weird that you always find yourself making excuses for him under performing? Dudes a second overall pick and the only success he’s had has been strapped with Kopitar and Kempe.


I think it’s weird you see this one year as definitive of who he is but ignore everything else. You’re on an island.

And there’s Bland too “he’s great on the PK too now” great, he’s Trevor Lewis. That’s who we drafted at 2nd overall.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

“Slow measurable growth” sure bro. There’s always an excuse why he’s not set himself apart from the other players.

The fact that Laferierre has found his game in what? A year? And Byfield “is struggling with the puck”

Don’t you think it’s weird that you always find yourself making excuses for him under performing? Dudes a second overall pick and the only success he’s had has been strapped with Kopitar and Kempe.


I think it’s weird you see this one year as definitive of who he is but ignore everything else. You’re on an island.

And there’s Bland too “he’s great on the PK too now” great, he’s Trevor Lewis. That’s who we drafted at 2nd overall.

Nah, you're just trying to pick fights with anyone who will indulge and it ain't me. I know better than to try to 'reason' with you about any player in the NHL, go bark up another tree.

You asked why, I answered. That's all you'll get from me on Byfield. The rest you can get from my responses to anyone else.

 

[FSL KINGS]

“Slow measurable growth” sure bro. There’s always an excuse why he’s not set himself apart from the other players.

The fact that Laferierre has found his game in what? A year? And Byfield “is struggling with the puck”

Don’t you think it’s weird that you always find yourself making excuses for him under performing? Dudes a second overall pick and the only success he’s had has been strapped with Kopitar and Kempe.


I think it’s weird you see this one year as definitive of who he is but ignore everything else. You’re on an island.

And there’s Bland too “he’s great on the PK too now” great, he’s Trevor Lewis. That’s who we drafted at 2nd overall.

Oilers picked 1st overall how many times before getting a winner? Sometimes drafts aren't as good as other years.

The Turcotte draft was probably worse blowing 4 picks in the first two rounds.

 

[Kingsfan1]

Osprey said the same to me on the main boards and here's my homework for Byfield being the line driver. Do we want more production? absolutely. But can he drive play? Yes.

Last year:

before Jan 1st:

And after:

Kopitar gassed out, Byfield kept driving.

And remember, prior to his numbers finally popping--the play driving numbers were the leading indicator.

Thanks i never knew how to pull up these numbers. I understand the analytics paint a different picture but i am sure the same can be said for other players . How much of these numbers have to do with Byfield himself rather than his linemates being in the right position or drawing the oppositions attention .

My problem with Byfield is so many players taken later in the draft not only from his draft (Laffy) but other drafts as well is they seem to produce no matter where they are in the lineup. He was taken 2nd overall for a reason but i am yet to see it . Its his D+4 year and most star players with the exception of a couple players start to show the IT factor . He might end up being a great 2 way player scratch that he is but superstar ? Idk i dont see it atm

Outside of Blake getting really lucky & pulling some key pieces out of his . . . Hat, I'm expecting this team to bottom out in a few years. The bottoming out will be greatly accelerated if Blake keeps burning assets, going for it.

We might bottom out for 1 year after Kopi retires but i think with the cap space we will have and some other prospects developing faster I believe we will stay competitive longer than expected. Not saying contender status but playoffs for sure

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

This is all being massively blown out of proportion due to stat watching. The team has had a very, very good start, and Byfield is finally playing center AND doing an excellent job on the PK. Let's calm this shit down for a bit and see what happens.

lol, good one.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Thanks i never knew how to pull up these numbers. I understand the analytics paint a different picture but i am sure the same can be said for other players . How much of these numbers have to do with Byfield himself rather than his linemates being in the right position or drawing the oppositions attention .

My problem with Byfield is so many players taken later in the draft not only from his draft (Laffy) but other drafts as well is they seem to produce no matter where they are in the lineup. He was taken 2nd overall for a reason but i am yet to see it . Its his D+4 year and most star players with the exception of a couple players start to show the IT factor . He might end up being a great 2 way player scratch that he is but superstar ? Idk i dont see it atm

Yeah in that same thread they wanted to attribute it to Kopitar but it didn't matter where Byfield was lined up--he elevated any player whether it was Turcotte PLD Laferriere or Fiala (his next 4 most common linemates).

And I agree the production needs to grow and be there. But in last year's case, it followed. I'm confident that once he gets sorted out he'll be back to at least last year's #s before taking another step. Development isn't linear.

FWIW it also reminds me of some research presented before where normal sized players typically got to their potential in 200 games--where Byfield is now--but extremely big players took 400 games. Evidence based, not just vibes. Aside, this would also suggest we wouldn't see 'full turcotte' for another 1.5 seasons as well (though I'm sure there's a counterbalance in there for both injuries AND the Kings' stupid handling of kids).

I also remember how many Edmonton fans started suggesting they should trade Drai for help after his 22 age season...good thing they kept him as he really popped at 23 and 24.

If one 'doesn't see it' that's one thing. Like I said above, I'm not here to argue with people that have made their minds up, I'm just showing why I'm a believer and that some of it is evidence based.

 

[Kingsfan1]

Yeah in that same thread they wanted to attribute it to Kopitar but it didn't matter where Byfield was lined up--he elevated any player whether it was Turcotte PLD Laferriere or Fiala (his next 4 most common linemates).

And I agree the production needs to grow and be there. But in last year's case, it followed. I'm confident that once he gets sorted out he'll be back to at least last year's #s before taking another step. Development isn't linear.

FWIW it also reminds me of some research presented before where normal sized players typically got to their potential in 200 games--where Byfield is now--but extremely big players took 400 games. Evidence based, not just vibes. Aside, this would also suggest we wouldn't see 'full turcotte' for another 1.5 seasons as well (though I'm sure there's a counterbalance in there for both injuries AND the Kings' stupid handling of kids).

I also remember how many Edmonton fans started suggesting they should trade Drai for help after his 22 age season...good thing they kept him as he really popped at 23 and 24.

If one 'doesn't see it' that's one thing. Like I said above, I'm not here to argue with people that have made their minds up, I'm just showing why I'm a believer and that some of it is evidence based.

I want Byfield to do well and become that future 1C because he plays for my favorite team and i care more than i should but hey everyone has their escape from reality and mine is the LA Kings and hockey. But most great young players are undeniable from the moment you see them play ; just look at Clarke he has so much swagger and confidence oozing out of him and i believe that is a big trait to have to be a star player.

Going back to my comment about this being D+4 year for Byfield yes for some players or Big players as you said it does take longer, but if anything he's regressed . Idk about Draisaitl because Drai produced 51 points at age 19 , 77 at age 20 , 70 at age 21 and then took off into another gear completely. Byfield is nowhere near Drai at this stage of his career.

Byfield is developing into great shut down center, but i think we all expected more from him . I don’t see him to ever produce big numbers . He seems to lack the IQ for offensive creativity atleast for now .

In the 2020 draft i watched so many videos of Byfield and Stutzle and i wanted us to pick Stutzle , he would fly down the ice with slick moves and seemed to have the offensive IQ to make plays at a high speed . I remember telling all my family i was so excited to see a player like that in a Kings uni then we went and picked Byfield who was just more bigger than everyone in juniors and i think that played a huge factor into his numbers and where he was drafted . Unfortunately most in the NHL is about his size nowadays .

Also if we had drafted Stutzle there is a strong possibility that we would still have Faber today as we traded for Fiala 2 years later .
No arguing brother just 2 fans debating about our favorite team ! Its all love !

 

[Sol]

Nah, you're just trying to pick fights with anyone who will indulge and it ain't me. I know better than to try to 'reason' with you about any player in the NHL, go bark up another tree.

You asked why, I answered. That's all you'll get from me on Byfield. The rest you can get from my responses to anyone else.

Simple question really, just want to see how consistent you are, what will it take for you to say he is a dud? What’s the number and how long will you plan to wait? I know you like to pretend that Byfield was the line driver last year but it’s pretty awkward that Kopitar is chugging along just fine without Byfield while Byfield is playing awful. You’re legit finding random fancy stats that go against the important ones.

I feel like between the both of us I’ve been the more reasonable one. Been supporting him when he does good and being critical when he isn’t. Just want to know at what point you plan on being logically consistent?

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

Simple question really, just want to see how consistent you are, what will it take for you to say he is a dud? What’s the number and how long will you plan to wait? I know you like to pretend that Byfield was the line driver last year but it’s pretty awkward that Kopitar is chugging along just fine without Byfield while Byfield is playing awful. You’re legit finding random fancy stats that go against the important ones.

I feel like between the both of us I’ve been the more reasonable one. Been supporting him when he does good and being critical when he isn’t. Just want to know at what point you plan on being logically consistent?

Call me crazy, but labeling the player a ‘bust’ is a bit more than being critical.

 

[EXTRAS]

What do people see laferriere as long term? 2nd line winger who puts up 50-60 points? What do you guys think his talent level indicates?

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

What do people see laferriere as long term? 2nd line winger who puts up 50-60 points? What do you guys think his talent level indicates?

Top 9....can fill in the top line, with talented players, won't drive the line, he's a north south player, who does everything well.....but needs the support of others to get him there for now.

 

[AbsentMojo]

Kopi classic "its not coming this way Carl, you know that"

 

[Surf Nutz]

Byfield will elevate again, eventually.

Waiting is the hardest pah art!

 

[King'sPawn]

What do people see laferriere as long term? 2nd line winger who puts up 50-60 points? What do you guys think his talent level indicates?

I think he can play a middle-six role reliably and play in all situations like Trevor Moore.

Not the same player, but similar roles.

 

[BigBrown]

Kopi classic "its not coming this way Carl, you know that"

Love it. Who is Laser, is it Andre Lee?

 

[Omni Owl]

Hear me out for a sec. What if, we swap Byfield for Bedard straight up. If Bedard keeps slumping his value will continue to plummet. Both guys could use a change of scenery, both are underwhelming top round picks. Knowing Blake he'd overpay but it might be worth it, I can dream....

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

Hear me out for a sec. What if, we swap Byfield for Bedard straight up. If Bedard keeps slumping his value will continue to plummet. Both guys could use a change of scenery, both are underwhelming top round picks. Knowing Blake he'd overpay but it might be worth it, I can dream....

Bedard is almost a PPG player on a garbage team, AT THE AGE OF 19. You consider that an underwhelming top pick?

 

[Omni Owl]

Bedard is almost a PPG player on a garbage team, AT THE AGE OF 19. You consider that an underwhelming top pick?

He hasn't lived up to expectation this year, much like Byfield. If he keeps up his downward trajectory it might be worth a shot. A lot of people are comparing him to Celebrini right now, who looks a lot better and more comfortable. Celebrini is to Bedard like Stutzle is to Byfield.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

He hasn't lived up to expectation this year, much like Byfield. If he keeps up his downward trajectory it might be worth a shot. A lot of people are comparing him to Celebrini right now, who looks a lot better and more comfortable. Celebrini is to Bedard like Stutzle is to Byfield.

Bedard has almost twice the amount of points output than Byfield - so who else are you throwing into this deal?

 

[King'sPawn]

Hear me out for a sec. What if, we swap Byfield for Bedard straight up. If Bedard keeps slumping his value will continue to plummet. Both guys could use a change of scenery, both are underwhelming top round picks. Knowing Blake he'd overpay but it might be worth it, I can dream....

Bedard is younger and more productive than Byfield. Chicago has no need to trade their one-year removed first-overall pick, particularly for a change of scenery.

Chicago wouldn't even do it if you added Clarke.

 

[Omni Owl]

The whole premise of the trade is based on Bedard continuing a downward trajectory like Byfield. Obviously the Hawks wouldn't do it right now, but if he continues his slide you never know. I think Chicago would do Clarke/Byfield for Bedard, though Blake would be an idiot to make that trade.

 

[King'sPawn]

The whole premise of the trade is based on Bedard continuing a downward trajectory like Byfield. Obviously the Hawks wouldn't do it right now, but if he continues his slide you never know. I think Chicago would do Clarke/Byfield for Bedard, though Blake would be an idiot to make that trade.

Sorry, I guess I'm still not catching on. How long would you expect Chicago to try and cut their losses with the trajectory? This offseason? 1 season? Two months? I don't understand the time frames of your scenario.

Keep in mind Byfield will still be working under the same time frames. So if it's six months, are you expecting Byfield to improve his value? If yes, why would you want to trade him for someone of declining value? If you don't expect Byfield to increase his value, we go back to the same question - why would Chicago trade, one for one, a younger player with more skill?

I promise I'm not trying to be a pain in the ass. I don't understand the scenario where:
- Bedard's value drops so much where they choose to trade him (and the Kings trade for him)
- Byfield's value rises or remains in a state that it's at Bedard's, and LA trades him (and Chicago trades for him).

There are definitely change of scenery trades, but they don't usually apply to players too young to buy beer in the US.

 

[Sol]

He hasn't lived up to expectation this year, much like Byfield. If he keeps up his downward trajectory it might be worth a shot. A lot of people are comparing him to Celebrini right now, who looks a lot better and more comfortable. Celebrini is to Bedard like Stutzle is to Byfield.

Bedard only has 19 points less than Byfield and he’s played 93 games vs Byfields 204 games played. To boot Bedard hasn’t had a player like Kopitar to carry him.

The Hawks would undoubtedly block Blake’s number.