C Quinton Byfield (2020, 2nd, LAK) part IV

[surixon]

I agree with a number of posters here, he doesn't look ready yet. Brilliant skater but needs time to refine the rest of his game against pro players in the AHL.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

He looks VERY ready when not played with Brown and AA.

Keep in mind those guys turned Danault from arguably best line in NHL to worst line on the Kings. Same with Moore. Same with Kopitar. Its a little much to expect him to babysit those two anchors when Selke level vets can't.

Regardless yes he has lots to learn. He either needs big minutes in the AHL or much, much better deployment in the NHL. You almost couldn't hand pick worse players to play him with, and if you're going to not use him on the PP or anything either, just be done with it and pretend these are still the glory years, send the youth back down and stop misplaying them and trade for some vets for the bottom six or whatever.

I don't know why anyone is surprised at this point, this has happened with EVERY Kings prospect this year, they get put into positions to fail, then get sent down. Pick a forward. Vilardi? Turcotte? Byfield? Doesn't matter. They perform, then inexplicably get their minutes cut and put with lesser players in worse situations with no PP time, then banished when they inevitably fail. It's being given a test you can't pass.

Edit: for visuals

 

[ref19]

Probably drafted a round early. Will seem to be able to carve out a bottom 6 c role I'd imagine.

 

[kilowatt]

Probably drafted a round early. Will seem to be able to carve out a bottom 6 c role I'd imagine.

trolls gonna troll

 

[Akrapovince]

Anyone remember the last time a player of his size showed as much mobility and finesse as him?

Very unique package this kid brings. I’m far from a development coach, however I think he should be getting polished in the national league.

It’s just unfortunate however that LA is a competitive team and he doesn’t have the luxury of a long leash and linemates that can support him.

Stützle can work things out in Ottawa, repeatedly turning over the puck and missing assignments, which is okay because he’s fairly well insulated prior to the injury bug hitting us. And I think he’s turning into a better player because of it.

Peak Byfield if he reaches anywhere close to his ceiling is a unicorn player and I really hope we get to see that. Was really upset we missed out on him, and excited to watch his growth in this league.

 

[OneSniffTwoSniff]

Getting some major Benoit Pouliot vibes from this dude, i hope I'm wrong.

 

[KapG]

Getting some major Benoit Pouliot vibes from this dude, i hope I'm wrong.

Based on a 10 or 11 game sample size where he’s playing 9 minutes a night with two black holes in Brown and AA?

That’s a super cool take!

 

[surixon]

He looks VERY ready when not played with Brown and AA.

Keep in mind those guys turned Danault from arguably best line in NHL to worst line on the Kings. Same with Moore. Same with Kopitar. Its a little much to expect him to babysit those two anchors when Selke level vets can't.

Regardless yes he has lots to learn. He either needs big minutes in the AHL or much, much better deployment in the NHL. You almost couldn't hand pick worse players to play him with, and if you're going to not use him on the PP or anything either, just be done with it and pretend these are still the glory years, send the youth back down and stop misplaying them and trade for some vets for the bottom six or whatever.

I don't know why anyone is surprised at this point, this has happened with EVERY Kings prospect this year, they get put into positions to fail, then get sent down. Pick a forward. Vilardi? Turcotte? Byfield? Doesn't matter. They perform, then inexplicably get their minutes cut and put with lesser players in worse situations with no PP time, then banished when they inevitably fail. It's being given a test you can't pass.

Edit: for visuals

Yeah that doesn't sound optimal for a talented young players development.aon the Jets Perfetti didn't look great playing with plugs in the bottom 6 but once he was moved into the top 6 hes produced at a solid second line rate and looked really good. Perhaps that is just what Quinton needs as well.

 

[wetcoast]

He looks VERY ready when not played with Brown and AA.

Keep in mind those guys turned Danault from arguably best line in NHL to worst line on the Kings. Same with Moore. Same with Kopitar. Its a little much to expect him to babysit those two anchors when Selke level vets can't.

Regardless yes he has lots to learn. He either needs big minutes in the AHL or much, much better deployment in the NHL. You almost couldn't hand pick worse players to play him with, and if you're going to not use him on the PP or anything either, just be done with it and pretend these are still the glory years, send the youth back down and stop misplaying them and trade for some vets for the bottom six or whatever.

I don't know why anyone is surprised at this point, this has happened with EVERY Kings prospect this year, they get put into positions to fail, then get sent down. Pick a forward. Vilardi? Turcotte? Byfield? Doesn't matter. They perform, then inexplicably get their minutes cut and put with lesser players in worse situations with no PP time, then banished when they inevitably fail. It's being given a test you can't pass.

Edit: for visuals

Thankfully both contracts expire after this year.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

Anyone remember the last time a player of his size showed as much mobility and finesse as him?

Very unique package this kid brings. I’m far from a development coach, however I think he should be getting polished in the national league.

It’s just unfortunate however that LA is a competitive team and he doesn’t have the luxury of a long leash and linemates that can support him.

Stützle can work things out in Ottawa, repeatedly turning over the puck and missing assignments, which is okay because he’s fairly well insulated prior to the injury bug hitting us. And I think he’s turning into a better player because of it.

Peak Byfield if he reaches anywhere close to his ceiling is a unicorn player and I really hope we get to see that. Was really upset we missed out on him, and excited to watch his growth in this league.

Not as high of a draft pick but Logan Brown comes to mind.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Anyone remember the last time a player of his size showed as much mobility and finesse as him?

Very unique package this kid brings. I’m far from a development coach, however I think he should be getting polished in the national league.

It’s just unfortunate however that LA is a competitive team and he doesn’t have the luxury of a long leash and linemates that can support him.

Stützle can work things out in Ottawa, repeatedly turning over the puck and missing assignments, which is okay because he’s fairly well insulated prior to the injury bug hitting us. And I think he’s turning into a better player because of it.

Peak Byfield if he reaches anywhere close to his ceiling is a unicorn player and I really hope we get to see that. Was really upset we missed out on him, and excited to watch his growth in this league.

If they can just remove him from AA, who is arguably the biggest liability in the league, it will pay immediate dividends. Don't know how many times he can pass to Brown's stick only to have it go thru him, or to where AA should be but he's already flown the zone. Also because of those two's needs he ends up playing back F3 most shifts so his role is basically dig puck, chip out of zone, play defense.

Couple of home games before an east coast roadie next week then the Kings spend the rest of march in the pacific time zone so I anticipate either new linemates before this weekend or him being sent down while the Kings 'reform' a 3rd line for the stretch drive with moves/trades.

 

[SFKingshomer]

He looks VERY ready when not played with Brown and AA.

Keep in mind those guys turned Danault from arguably best line in NHL to worst line on the Kings. Same with Moore. Same with Kopitar. Its a little much to expect him to babysit those two anchors when Selke level vets can't.

Regardless yes he has lots to learn. He either needs big minutes in the AHL or much, much better deployment in the NHL. You almost couldn't hand pick worse players to play him with, and if you're going to not use him on the PP or anything either, just be done with it and pretend these are still the glory years, send the youth back down and stop misplaying them and trade for some vets for the bottom six or whatever.

I don't know why anyone is surprised at this point, this has happened with EVERY Kings prospect this year, they get put into positions to fail, then get sent down. Pick a forward. Vilardi? Turcotte? Byfield? Doesn't matter. They perform, then inexplicably get their minutes cut and put with lesser players in worse situations with no PP time, then banished when they inevitably fail. It's being given a test you can't pass.

Edit: for visuals

This should be mentioned in every underwhelming Kings prospect thread on the board. It's been that way for years and they still can't develop certain offensive talents. Pisses me off teams don't put their stud prospects in a position to succeed and then they wonder why they underwhelmed. It's a development issue from the top down and it's a league wide problem, just some are better than others. LA and NYR are terrible...

 

[SFKingshomer]

Yeah that doesn't sound optimal for a talented young players development.aon the Jets Perfetti didn't look great playing with plugs in the bottom 6 but once he was moved into the top 6 hes produced at a solid second line rate and looked really good. Perhaps that is just what Quinton needs as well.

That is what every LA forward prospect has needed for years. They are terrible at developing them. What top 6 talent do they have to show for it? Adrian Kempe...Toffoli and Pearson for a bit.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Anyone remember the last time a player of his size showed as much mobility and finesse as him?

Very unique package this kid brings. I’m far from a development coach, however I think he should be getting polished in the national league.

It’s just unfortunate however that LA is a competitive team and he doesn’t have the luxury of a long leash and linemates that can support him.

Stützle can work things out in Ottawa, repeatedly turning over the puck and missing assignments, which is okay because he’s fairly well insulated prior to the injury bug hitting us. And I think he’s turning into a better player because of it.

Peak Byfield if he reaches anywhere close to his ceiling is a unicorn player and I really hope we get to see that. Was really upset we missed out on him, and excited to watch his growth in this league.

Which is really the problem for QB right now, he's given two broken pianos and being asked not only to figure out his own game, but the games of a faded 20-year-veteran and a journeyman winger who is the biggest liability in the league. The mistakes compound because instead of being given responsible vets like Iafallo or Arvidsson or something where guys will be in good position and help puck support, QB is left picking up the messes left by Brown and AA and when he creates his own, it's a catastrophe because neither guy can/will help out. It's an awful developmental situation and it's awful for that whole line. They HAVE to see what we're seeing there which is a line who is getting crushed night after night relative to team.

 

[Smirnov2Chistov]

If his CODE V color scheme was black and grey, this would be a perfect picture

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

If his CODE V color scheme was black and grey, this would be a perfect picture

LA needs to change to this look full time

 

[surixon]

That is what every LA forward prospect has needed for years. They are terrible at developing them. What top 6 talent do they have to show for it? Adrian Kempe...Toffoli and Pearson for a bit.

Interesting, I don't really follow your team that much so I'll take your word for it. I'm a bit surprised Vilardi was sent down, he seemed to be tracking quite well and was looking well on his way to atleast being a good second line caliber player.

 

[SFKingshomer]

Interesting, I don't really follow your team that much so I'll take your word for it. I'm a bit surprised Vilardi was sent down, he seemed to be tracking quite well and was looking well on his way to atleast being a good second line caliber player.

They moved him to the wing before sending him down to boost his confidence and he's thrived there. 15 goals, 35 in 33 in the AHL. People forget he missed nearly 2 years of development due to a back/growth issue that shouldn't be a long time problem, thankfully.

 

[driller1]

Which is really the problem for QB right now, he's given two broken pianos and being asked not only to figure out his own game, but the games of a faded 20-year-veteran and a journeyman winger who is the biggest liability in the league. The mistakes compound because instead of being given responsible vets like Iafallo or Arvidsson or something where guys will be in good position and help puck support, QB is left picking up the messes left by Brown and AA and when he creates his own, it's a catastrophe because neither guy can/will help out. It's an awful developmental situation and it's awful for that whole line. They HAVE to see what we're seeing there which is a line who is getting crushed night after night relative to team.

Unfortunately the Kings only have ~3-1/2 decent wingers, so you can't really spread them around or you might end up with 3 mediocre lines instead of 2 decent lines plus one horrific one.

The last time you posted stats, it showed that Byfield + Brown was a ~55-60% CF duo. Curious as to the updated stats on that, as that would indicate that they are at least marginally effective together.

Finally, as the TNT crew pointed out last night, QB is in a perfect spot because he doesn't need to match up against the opponents Top 6. While his own wingers may be less than ideal, they should still have a talent advantage over the oppositions 3rd line. Would you rather have QB match up against tougher opponents or would you rather have him play lesser opponents at the expense of better wingers? Its really not clear cut to me.

 

[King'sPawn]

Unfortunately the Kings only have ~3-1/2 decent wingers, so you can't really spread them around or you might end up with 3 mediocre lines instead of 2 decent lines plus one horrific one.

The last time you posted stats, it showed that Byfield + Brown was a ~55-60% CF duo. Curious as to the updated stats on that, as that would indicate that they are at least marginally effective together.

Finally, as the TNT crew pointed out last night, QB is in a perfect spot because he doesn't need to match up against the opponents Top 6. While his own wingers may be less than ideal, they should still have a talent advantage over the oppositions 3rd line. Would you rather have QB match up against tougher opponents or would you rather have him play lesser opponents at the expense of better wingers? Its really not clear cut to me.

I'd rather Byfield get tougher competition with viable linemates.

What's the point of playing weaker opponents if you're hemmed in your own zone and playing with the efficacy of a 4-on-5 penalty kill?

 

[William H Bonney]

Byfield's issue is he doesn't know how to use his tools yet. It's understandable. In juniors he could get by because he was so much bigger than the average competition. But that approach isn't as effective against grown men. It's far bigger than who his NHL linemates are. He was just okay in the AHL, too. He's still really young. Send him back to the AHL, let him learn how to apply his tools cohesively against men, and let him start to dominate. Then bring him back. He's not ready for the NHL and that's okay. Prospect development isn't a race.

 

[driller1]

I'd rather Byfield get tougher competition with viable linemates.

What's the point of playing weaker opponents if you're hemmed in your own zone and playing with the efficacy of a 4-on-5 penalty kill?

That's fair.

But what's the point of playing with the efficacy of a 4 on 5 pk? When AA is one of your wingers, you just hope that the puck gets to him once in a while and he can do something fun. It works in beer league. Trust me!

Ideally the Kings would have 6 decent wingers to distribute in the Top 9 so that we can have our cake and eat it too-- would be ideal to allow QB easier matchups while jettisoning anchors.

 

[bsu]

Byfield's issue is he doesn't know how to use his tools yet. It's understandable. In juniors he could get by because he was so much bigger than the average competition. But that approach isn't as effective against grown men. It's far bigger than who his NHL linemates are. He was just okay in the AHL, too. He's still really young. Send him back to the AHL, let him learn how to apply his tools cohesively against men, and let him start to dominate. Then bring him back. He's not ready for the NHL and that's okay. Prospect development isn't a race.

100%

 

[CupSeeker]

trolls gonna troll

watched him last night; he stunk. Too early to use the B word but, he should be in the A unless last night was a strange night for him; the numbers seem to back up that he stinks right now.

 

[KevinRedkey]

Not as high of a draft pick but Logan Brown comes to mind.

I see the similarities, but I hope for LA fans sake that Byfield becomes MUCH better than that bust.