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

bland

Registered User
Jul 1, 2004
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Read my post again:

> 2 goals, 1 assist, +2 in limited minutes.

I’m not saying he plays limited minutes in general, I’m saying he played limited minutes in this game. Which is clearly true, he played 11:29 this game.
There are 6 other forwards who play more minutes than Byfield, you are absolutely right about limited minutes.

Kopitar is ancient, and that top line is seeing fewer 5x5 shifts than on previous seasons to mitigate the mileage that has limited his impact in the last two playoff series loses. Byfield doesn't see 4x4 or PK minutes, both of which see heavy usage from his linemates, so there are several episodes every game where he is sitting for extended periods of time.
 

Raccoon Jesus

We were right there
Oct 30, 2008
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There are 6 other forwards who play more minutes than Byfield, you are absolutely right about limited minutes.

Kopitar is ancient, and that top line is seeing fewer 5x5 shifts than on previous seasons to mitigate the mileage that has limited his impact in the last two playoff series loses. Byfield doesn't see 4x4 or PK minutes, both of which see heavy usage from his linemates, so there are several episodes every game where he is sitting for extended periods of time.

or OT, which is where you think a confident Byfield would be deadly

Just once I want to see him and Kempe in 3v3
 

bland

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Jul 1, 2004
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I dunno if its about using it or just simply getting stronger because it takes longer for big guys to fill out and grow into their bodies/get coordinated. So many on this site deny this to be true but theres a long history of it.
That's the crux of it. He is strong enough now to succeed in the areas he was struggling. His game hasn't changed, he is just winning the battles, getting that extra step. With that, his confidence is soaring.

As soon as he gains confidence in wristers from more than six feet out, he is going to be a monster.
 
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Bobby9

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Feb 10, 2019
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Love everything about this player.

Had major concerns over the last 2 years about how tools vs toolbox. Kids putting it all together.

Real talk: What GM wouldn’t want a massive framed 1C with speed and now the hands. Dude is a franchise player.
 
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Bobby9

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There is not a single team, including LA, who would skip Stutzle in a redraft. That’s not to say Byfield isn’t looking great right now, and he could certainly continue progressing into a top C if he keeps his compete level up.

I get why people bring these two up together based on draft position, but it’s a useless exercise. I say this as a fan of both players, and someone who has supported and continued to recognize Byfield’s talent even without his production last year.
I would take QB over Stutzle in a nanosecond. Dude has the size and skill to take over all games. Built for playoffs
 

Nasti

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Jan 30, 2006
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I would take QB over Stutzle in a nanosecond. Dude has the size and skill to take over all games. Built for playoffs
Byfield is a special talent that you don’t see very often. It was said repeatedly before the draft and the world is seeing why. He also barely made the age eligibility for that draft. Stutzle is great but he’s not as rare. I would absolutely not trade Byfield for Stutzle today.
 

Ghetty Green

Registered User
Apr 7, 2018
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I would take QB over Stutzle in a nanosecond. Dude has the size and skill to take over all games. Built for playoffs
Of course. I said it before and I'll say it again; you can find a Stutzle in every draft. Byfield types only come around once every few years.
 
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Freaky Styley

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Aug 14, 2007
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Glad to see the kid start to figure it out. Could not have been in a better situation with Kopitar and the Kings' roster.

I'll definitely say I wasn't a big believer in him hitting his potential, but it's another good lesson that power forwards take a little more time. I still would have picked Stutzle over him as lot of his success has had to come directly from his play, but I'll never wish a player to bust, especially one in such a big market.

Kings' cup contention is a lot more legitimate with Byfield breaking out. We'll see what they do with the goaltending before the playoffs as I still wouldn't be sold on that tandem, but they're a scary team this season. I've always liked the Kopi-era Kings so I'll be rooting for them if the Avs can't win
 

BigKing

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Mar 11, 2003
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That's the crux of it. He is strong enough now to succeed in the areas he was struggling. His game hasn't changed, he is just winning the battles, getting that extra step. With that, his confidence is soaring.

As soon as he gains confidence in wristers from more than six feet out, he is going to be a monster.
Liked this because the six feet out thing is funny but also legitimately true.

I've always said that confidence was a main thing for him and that he seemed to defer too much, something he seemed to do at every level except on Sudbury where he clearly had to be "the guy".

That said, I thought he might top out as a 60-point guy based on consistent mistakes he should have learned from but kept doing. Thought the skill and size alone--along with opportunity--would get him to that range but we're witnessing a major leap in his progression to where you don't have to squint to see him hitting his draft day projections.

Most important thing for the future of this franchise is/was him being the total stud he was supposed to be when selecting him at 2OA. The #2 thing is Clarke being that special player on the blueline. Feels like Byfield is happening and Clarke has given zero reasons why he should be doubted so far. Feels good.

Six feet out on the wrist shot though haha. Sky's the limit if he becomes dangerous with his shot. He's too big and fast to contain when he's confident.
 

Deep Blue Metallic

Bo knows hockey.
Mar 5, 2021
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He's looking really comfy on Kopitar's wing. I always enjoy it when a young player sheds the "bust" label cynical fans are so eager to apply.

Kings fans, is the long-term plan for Byfield to play 1C, or too early to say yet? I guess what I'm really asking is who replaces Kopi?
 
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Boonk

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Oct 10, 2017
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He's looking really comfy on Kopitar's wing. I always enjoy it when a young player sheds the "bust" label cynical fans are so eager to apply.

Kings fans, is the long-term plan for Byfield to play 1C, or too early to say yet? I guess what I'm really asking is who replaces Kopi?
Byfield is being groomed on Kopitars wing to eventually take on the 1C role, once Kopitar goes on to greener pastures it will be Byfields team and by that time he should be fully well into the beginning of his prime.
 

Deep Blue Metallic

Bo knows hockey.
Mar 5, 2021
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Byfield is being groomed on Kopitars wing to eventually take on the 1C role, once Kopitar goes on to greener pastures it will be Byfields team and by that time he should be fully well into the beginning of his prime.
Hey, I said *Kings* fans. ;-)
 

Felidae

Registered User
Sep 30, 2016
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Byfield is being groomed on Kopitars wing to eventually take on the 1C role, once Kopitar goes on to greener pastures it will be Byfields team and by that time he should be fully well into the beginning of his prime.
Thats probably still be a few years from now though

If the plan is to take over as the C, he should probably be playing center to get accustomed to the role sooner rather than later, but I get you guys have a really good thing going and yeah, not a good idea to split that Kopi-Byfield duo.

I'm assuming you guys have tried him at center before this year though. In that case, it could also be entirely possible that he's simply better suited as a winger long term, given how good he's been this year.
 

Golden_Jet

Registered User
Sep 21, 2005
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Byfield is being groomed on Kopitars wing to eventually take on the 1C role, once Kopitar goes on to greener pastures it will be Byfields team and by that time he should be fully well into the beginning of his prime.
He’s not being groomed if he isn’t playing the role, and taking draws,
but that’s kind of hard with the current centre’s ahead of him.
 

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