Prospect Info: Quinton Byfield (2nd Overall 2020 Draft) Discussion part II

[Telos]

yeah na dI think if there's something he can take from Kopitar--it's that Kopitar would simply charge and gain the line and take a guy with him outside, and due to his size/power, that player could do nothing about it.

If Byfield could add even that to his game, it would go a long way. Right now his little charge the zone and button hook is too read-able. at least learn to back guys off, some variety, that will make both things open up. he needs to realize he can create his own time and space.

Exactly. That is exactly what I think he needs which is in Kopitar's pocket, but I think he is trying too hard to be conservative and balanced. I want to see him break through offensively and then try to marry it with his defensive game as Byfield is never going to be our shutdown guy. That's why I want to see him challenge more ala Fiala because they do have similar hands, Byfield just doesn't trust his in the NHL. I want to see him both dangle defenders like Fiala and create time and space for himself by using his speed and size to drive around them and take the puck to the net like he did early on against Colorado. That was a page out of Kopitar's book and he is young and fast enough to execute it regularly.

 

[johnjm22]

Lafreniere the surest thing in a most uncertain draft year - TSN.ca

Ninety-three players and seven honourable mentions - headlined by Rimouski's Alexis Lafreniere - make up TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie's final player ranking ahead of the 2020 NHL Draft.

www.tsn.ca

“There are two things,” one scout said. “Lafreniere and Stutzle have elite hockey sense and creativity. Byfield can make plays but it’s not quite the same. Lafreniere and Stutzle have engines that rev high all the time. Byfield can do that too, but hasn’t done it as consistently as the others. If [Byfield] can do that more consistently, look out.”

That analysis from 2020 seems at least partially right.

When QB was having success this year, he was playing with a high motor (like Trevor Moore or Iafallo). When he started to flame out late in the season and the playoffs, I just wasn't seeing the same motor. I wasn't really seeing a high compete level from him.

 

[fsanford]

Kings need him to keep taking steps.

This year was better than last year.

Play him at center too please.

2nd line center. Not a 4th line grinder guy

 

[SettlementRichie10]

The Kings need to continue deploying Byfield as a top six center with good wingers and looks on the power play. He either sinks or swims. The team no longer has the luxury of shuffling him around on the wings and in the bottom six and in the AHL.

He’s either an NHL center or not. This will be his D+4 season.

 

[Eagle Fang]

The plays that die on his stick are from certain skills I'm sure he'll work on this offseason. During the season, you could see his improvements on attacking the puck. That comes from reading the play, which gets developed more during the season.

Puck skills - shooting, protection, and strength - mostly see tangible results during the offseason. Which is exactly why he should have been playing more minutes last season.

I don't want to say too much as I don't want to come across as being negative on Byfield because that certainly isn't the case.

I can definitely see how improved strength and another year of experience can help with some of the deficiencies he had this year. I think a part of his issue is the pace of the game, and adding strength for example would give him an extra second or so of time to make plays.

But the biggest concern I have is the hockey IQ. It's been a criticism of his since he was drafted and I can see why. I don't think that can be trained; some players have it and some don't.

I guess the easiest way to explain it is when we all watch players and things happen we either say "how the heck did he do that" or "why the heck did he do that instead of...".

With Byfield it seems there is much more of the latter.

His raw physical skills alone make him an NHL player, but the team needs him to be a great or least above average NHL player. I am 100% pulling for him, but from an unbiased perspective I find it harder and harder to defend him against the haters.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

I’m hoping he goes over and plays in the world championships. It did wonders for Trevor Moore a couple of years ago. Could be beneficial to have QB coached by someone else for a little while.

 

[SmytheKing]

I’m hoping he goes over and plays in the world championships. It did wonders for Trevor Moore a couple of years ago. Could be beneficial to have QB coached by someone else for a little while.

Why would Team Canada put him on their WC roster?

 

[YP44]

Byfield 1-3=4
Hughes 3-1=4
Lafreniere 0-0=0
Kaakko 1-1-=2
Byrum 0-3=3
Mercer 2-1=3
Newhook 0-1=1
Broberg 0-0=0
Beniers 1-0=1
Johnston 1-1=2

I know I'm in the minority and not saying Byfield doesn't deserve criticism because he definitely does. Just looks so bad in so many games. However, I'm going to gve him a bit more time. I know these stats don't mean much but still outscored all of these top prospects and is tied with Hughes. All but Beniers are arguably on better and deeper squads as well. I just look at vilardi and see how he is now, I'm a bit more hopeful than others.

Was wondering if Rangers fan shit on Laf the same way a lot of Kings fans do QB. I get that comparing to Stuzle is frustrting given how good Tim has been, but compared to the #1 pick I don't think QB looks bad.

 

[SlafySZN]

Was wondering if Rangers fan shit on Laf the same way a lot of Kings fans do QB. I get that comparing to Stuzle is frustrting given how good Tim has been, but compared to the #1 pick I don't think QB looks bad.

Yes they do!

 

[StreetHawk]

Was wondering if Rangers fan shit on Laf the same way a lot of Kings fans do QB. I get that comparing to Stuzle is frustrting given how good Tim has been, but compared to the #1 pick I don't think QB looks bad.

Everyone does for their high end draft picks. They are the key to a turnaround.

Rangers like the Kings had 3 high picks in consecutive seasons. Rangers in 2018-2020 had Kravstov, Kakko and Laf. Kings from 2019 to 2021 had Turcotte, Byfield, Clarke.

Rangers already bailed on Kravstov. Turcotte has suffered a few injuries since his draft, including a couple of head injuries. Rangers, being NY enabled them to sign Panarin in free agency and trade for Fox and Trouba to offset the less than desired production from their kids.

LA, if Byfield doesn't hit, not sure if they can find a 1C via free agency. If AZ arena deal falls apart, I would think Mathews would eye LA in free agency. But, with a Leafs round 1 win and if they go further, becomes more likely he extends in Toronto as he finally is achieving team success.

Byfield, still just 21. If LA didn't turn it around as quickly, he probably wouldn't be as heavily criticized. But, they need him right now. Maybe he just takes a couple more years to figure it out. Sedins twins did that as well. When Naslund, Bertuzzi, Morrison were going pre-lockout, they needed the twins to be 2nd line production, but they were not able to produce until after the lockout. Unfortunately for LA, Byfield may not produce while they have Kopitar producing.

 

[fivehole32]

I think there are a lot of good assessments here. This year I think he took a step. I would much rather see him drive the play like he did in game six. He needs to play with speedy wingers in my opinion, so he will play on instincts rather than trying to process what is happening and shoot/move the puck a second too slow.

 

[Herby]

He will be a huge asset in the years to come. Bank on it

We have had these posts on this forum for now 3 off-seasons. It’s always just around the corner. When do we start to see glimpses of a player taken 2nd in the draft? Because right now, through 3 seasons since being drafted the only top 3 pick in the last 18 years to be worse was Kyle Turris.

 

[lumbergh]

He had maybe half a game where he was decent. Otherwise he was not good in the series.

Judging by the fact that he was on the ice for a whopping 8 goals against at even strength (only Drew Doughty had more at 9) in only 87 minutes, he was indeed, not good. It's not for lack of effort. He's skating hard, full speed all the time. He's just not reading the plays well, anticipating where he could be to get open. Just a lot of running around. He is getting good at forechecking, but still a step behind the puck.

He really needs to spend a whole summer with Kopitar, because he's deficient in all the things that Kopi excels at. Effortlessly receiving passes, board work, defensive awareness, softer passes, deceptiveness, all that stuff. Slowing the game down doesn't mean skating less hard, it means softening your hands, thinking ahead, reading plays, and controlling the puck going into the zone. It means controlling the game as a center. Right now he's struggling with the speed of the NHL, thinking he's gotta outskate the game when he needs to outthink the game.

I'm glad he got to play wing for half a season, but I think he needs to go back to center and stay there. It's where he belongs. He and Vilardi are going to be a duo to be feared in the future.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

Why would Team Canada put him on their WC roster?

Obviously, it would depend if he gets an invite. But LA should be reaching out to Team Canada to offer up his availability. I have no idea who is on their roster.

 

[SmytheKing]

Obviously, it would depend if he gets an invite. But LA should be reaching out to Team Canada to offer up his availability. I have no idea who is on their roster.

Here's the list of forwards Canada can choose from. You'll have to filter out guys still in the playoffs, but I'd be shocked if Byfield was added to the team.

Canadian NHL Forwards ‑ 2022-2023 Stats

Canadian NHL forwards during the 2022-2023 season | NHL statistics for all Canadian forwards during the 2022-2023 regular season.

www.quanthockey.com

 

[bland]

Judging by the fact that he was on the ice for a whopping 8 goals against at even strength (only Drew Doughty had more at 9) in only 87 minutes, he was indeed, not good. It's not for lack of effort. He's skating hard, full speed all the time. He's just not reading the plays well, anticipating where he could be to get open. Just a lot of running around. He is getting good at forechecking, but still a step behind the puck.

He really needs to spend a whole summer with Kopitar, because he's deficient in all the things that Kopi excels at. Effortlessly receiving passes, board work, defensive awareness, softer passes, deceptiveness, all that stuff. Slowing the game down doesn't mean skating less hard, it means softening your hands, thinking ahead, reading plays, and controlling the puck going into the zone. It means controlling the game as a center. Right now he's struggling with the speed of the NHL, thinking he's gotta outskate the game when he needs to outthink the game.

I'm glad he got to play wing for half a season, but I think he needs to go back to center and stay there. It's where he belongs. He and Vilardi are going to be a duo to be feared in the future.

Kids his age are SUPPOSED to be wrecked by Draisaitl and MacDavid. Byfield isn't SUPPOSED to be counted on as a key part of a team with playoff aspirations.

The Kings and Rags have made it very, very difficult for their top prospects to find their way into the NHL by making their contributions necessary immediately. No team with the playoffs in mind can afford to have passengers learning the NHL game - they need contributions now or they stick out like sore thumbs.

Byfield is struggling to find his footing, but the team has put a series of speed bumps in his path. These are prime situations for turning what should be key assets into part time contributors.

 

[bouncesonly]

Let's say Byfield goes nuclear next season. 40+ pts through the first 30 games. Is he given the 1C role or is he still riding Kopitar's shadow? What does Todd do?

 

[Scottkmlps]

Let's say Byfield goes nuclear next season. 40+ pts through the first 30 games. Is he given the 1C role or is he still riding Kopitar's shadow? What does Todd do?

Demotes him to the 4th line, of course.

 

[Sol]

Let's say Byfield goes nuclear next season. 40+ pts through the first 30 games. Is he given the 1C role or is he still riding Kopitar's shadow? What does Todd do?

If Byfield does good then yes he should take Kopitars role or danaults.

If Byfield has another bad season then the Kings should rebuild 10000%. They will go nowhere when Kopitar is out out to pasture.

I think Byfield is a bust so I think next season will be another disappointing saga to the Byfield story. Nothing but disappointment.

 

[Rick Knickleback]

We have had these posts on this forum for now 3 off-seasons. It’s always just around the corner. When do we start to see glimpses of a player taken 2nd in the draft? Because right now, through 3 seasons since being drafted the only top 3 pick in the last 18 years to be worse was Kyle Turris.

In fairness, didn't you say last summer that Vilardi was a bust? Little early to declare Byfield one too. I share some of the concerns, but--as with so many aspects of culture/society--COVID is a bit of a strange variable when it comes to interpreting data and trends, and QB's young career is encapsulated by that. FWIW, Turris spent his age-20 season in the minors and scored 16 points for a decent Arizona team when he was 21. Byfield had 22 this year.

And I'd argue we have seen glimpses of it, but only glimpses after 1+ full season. That's the problem. To me, the bigger issue is it doesn't look like he's going to top out at a #1 center, more of a decent top 6er instead, which is not what was envisioned for him or needed from him, organizationally. But until we see him at C with two decent wingers in a position to be successful, it's hard to know for sure. So, yes, the clock is ticking, but the alarm hasn't gone off yet.

Hope to see him centering Fiala & Vilardi next year. That line had some jump early on in the season and looked good at times against EDM too.

 

[Herby]

In fairness, didn't you say last summer that Vilardi was a bust? Little early to declare Byfield one too. I share some of the concerns, but--as with so many aspects of culture/society--COVID is a bit of a strange variable when it comes to interpreting data and trends, and QB's young career is encapsulated by that. FWIW, Turris spent his age-20 season in the minors and scored 16 points for a decent Arizona team when he was 21. Byfield had 22 this year.

And I'd argue we have seen glimpses of it, but only glimpses after 1+ full season. That's the problem. To me, the bigger issue is it doesn't look like he's going to top out at a #1 center, more of a decent top 6er instead, which is not what was envisioned for him or needed from him, organizationally. But until we see him at C with two decent wingers in a position to be successful, it's hard to know for sure. So, yes, the clock is ticking, but the alarm hasn't gone off yet.

Hope to see him centering Fiala & Vilardi next year. That line had some jump early on in the season and looked good at times against EDM too.

Yes I did. Everyone is wrong on this forum on some things. Are you going to bring up the people defending him and saying they still think he is going to be a 1C and the things they have been wrong on? These are some of the same people who had Turcotte as the next Toews, people have misses. It doesn't change the fact that QB has been historically bad through 3 seasons as a Top 3 pick. Just because one player was an outlier late bloomer doesn't mean all players will do the same.

And I'm not declaring him a bust yet, but if someone told me I had to choose what is more likely, a bust or a star. The answer is easy, there are countless busts who had similar results through 3 seasons, but very few stars. I still think he can be a decent 2nd liner, or maybe a low end 1st liner. But that simply isn't going to cut it for a #2 pick this rebuild, and especially not with the other Top 5 pick also being historically bad through 4 seasons.

Turris is the only Top 3 since the lockout who has been worse in total points in 3 seasons and PPG (.31 to .33). QB has the worst goals-per-game (.08)

Turris also ended up being what it seems you expect Byfield to be (and I agree 2nd liner is reasonable). But if QB tops out as a 45-60 point 2nd line center the Kings rebuild is doomed, where are the centers? Like @KINGS17 mentioned, you can't just sign or trade for a 1st line center, it's just not that easy.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

For his age and who he was up against, Byfield produced well these playoffs. It was his D play later in the series that sucked. So it's kind of funny because that's the opposite we've criticized him for so far, haha.

For players under 23, Byfield's 4 points were 2nd only to Jack Hughes' 5, and his rates/60 are the best or 2nd best in nearly every category, so it wasn't just playing time affected.

Take that for what it's worth, I think he stands to learn a lot from this stint, and with an offseason of training and--god willing--health, he's gotta bring it back next season.

 

[Rick Knickleback]

Yes I did. Everyone is wrong on this forum on some things. Are you going to bring up the people defending him and saying they still think he is going to be a 1C and the things they have been wrong on? These are some of the same people who had Turcotte as the next Toews, people have misses. It doesn't change the fact that QB has been historically bad through 3 seasons as a Top 3 pick. Just because one player was an outlier late bloomer doesn't mean all players will do the same.

And I'm not declaring him a bust yet, but if someone told me I had to choose what is more likely, a bust or a star. The answer is easy, there are countless busts who had similar results through 3 seasons, but very few stars. I still think he can be a decent 2nd liner, or maybe a low end 1st liner. But that simply isn't going to cut it for a #2 pick this rebuild, and especially not with the other Top 5 pick also being historically bad through 4 seasons.

Turris is the only Top 3 since the lockout who has been worse in total points in 3 seasons and PPG (.31 to .33). QB has the worst goals-per-game (.08)

Turris also ended up being what it seems you expect Byfield to be (and I agree 2nd liner is reasonable). But if QB tops out as a 45-60 point 2nd line center the Kings rebuild is doomed, where are the centers? Like @KINGS17 mentioned, you can't just sign or trade for a 1st line center, it's just not that easy.

No need to be defensive, Herby, you're one of my go-to posters for hockey knowledge, right more often than not, which is precisely why the Gabe-as-bust take stood out like it did. And I totally agree with you and K17 (another money poster) and others that QB as Brian Smolinski will be devastating for the LAK of the 2020s.

One quibble: you say QB has had 3 seasons. Not really. His 1st year consisted of 6 games. Turris had 130 games his first three seasons; Stutzle (who's clearly going to be a star) is at 200+ games. Byfield's next game next year will be his 100th.

 

[Herby]

No need to be defensive, Herby, you're one of my go-to posters for hockey knowledge, right more often than not, which is precisely why the Gabe-as-bust take stood out like it did. And I totally agree with you and K17 (another money poster) and others that QB as Brian Smolinski will be devastating for the LAK of the 2020s.

One quibble: you say QB has had 3 seasons. Not really. His 1st year consisted of 6 games. Turris had 130 games his first three seasons; Stutzle (who's clearly going to be a star) is at 200+ games. Byfield's next game next year will be his 100th.

Sorry, didn't mean to come off as a jerk. It just seems that my Vilardi miss is so magnified here, but other peoples misses are not as much. But even mentioning Vilardi, despite all his injuries and missed time. He still had 7 points in 10 games in his age 20 season and then scored at a 15G/20A pace in his age 21 season, QB is even behind that, and Gabe missed a ton more time.

All the stats I am using are based on 3 seasons since being drafted. Turris spent his D+1 season at Wisconsin and was pulled after 1 season despite not being ready (sound familiar). Turris actually has less NHL games than QB had 3 through 3 seasons. (99 vs 66). Him and QB are the two that stand out post lockout for least productive guys through 3 years, that is both in total points as well as on a per-game basis. Even notable busts like Yakupov and Patrick were not this bad, that is why the red flags are starting to fly higher. There is just very little in the way of guys taken that high, who started this poorly still developing into star players and living up to the draft capital used on them.

 

[KopitarGOAT420]

We have had these posts on this forum for now 3 off-seasons. It’s always just around the corner. When do we start to see glimpses of a player taken 2nd in the draft? Because right now, through 3 seasons since being drafted the only top 3 pick in the last 18 years to be worse was Kyle Turris.

I would consider 4 points in 6 playoff games as a 20 year old bouncing around the lineup (and in the playoffs essentially for the first time in his young career) a glimpse of a player taken 2nd overall.

Don't get me wrong, he's been a little disappointing - But there have been glimpses.

Also, we all knew Byfield was likely going to be more of a project than the average 2nd overall pick from day 1. I understand the frustration, and I realize people have been saying his breakout season is 'just around the corner' for the past couple seasons now..

But I think, especially given how young he still is, we need to give him 1 more year before we hit the panic button. If he doesn't show significant progress next season (I would say around 50 points is a good/reasonable target) then criticism becomes more valid.

I don't want to make excuses for the guy, but I really do think people are underestimating/understating how much the ankle injury last year and the illness this year derailed his progress.

He looked GREAT last preseason - Then goes down with a freak injury breaking his ankle. Only ends up playing 40 NHL games last year because of it all.

Then this year he also looked pretty solid - Believe he had 3 points in his first 8 games but was showing signs of promise with Gabe and AI. Then misses a MONTH of time while losing 25 lbs.. Only ends up playing 13 more games this year than he did last year while the point production more than doubled (although granted, still not amazing).

Give him a full off-season to train, see what he can do in a full season next year (hopefully without any issues that cause him to miss over a month of time right when the season gets started) and then we can really truly evaluate whether or not he can live up to his draft position.

Disclaimer: This is just my opinion on Byfield - Fully understand if others disagree and are more critical of him now. At the end of the day he's going to get at least 1 more season to prove something before the Kings even think about moving on from him so hopefully he balls out.