Prospect Info: Who does LA pick #2? Part 2 To Byfield or to Stutzle? That is the question

[Token]

interesting

https://twitter.com/NHLDraftRanking

WoTF is Ridly Greig and WyTF does he have “Exceptional” heart?

~ mid second round kid in the top-15.

Seems legit.

I do like the table tho, nice colors.

 

[MrGuyPerson]

I feel like everything insiders say at this point is what teams want them to. So I'm less certain than ever. Should be a fun draft. I am excited for Hovens Podcast Saturday as he said they would try to(maybe a certain would can't remember) the draft Yannetti on, but hopefully this close to draft something slips out

 

[RaymondReddington]

Ranks Byfield over Lafreniere at #1

Robinson: "Final" 2020 NHL Draft Rankings (June 2020)

 

[King'sPawn]

interesting

https://twitter.com/NHLDraftRanking

Stutzle is as good or better than Byfield at everything except physique yet he has a worse future?

 

[Matt13]

WoTF is Ridly Greig and WyTF does he have “Exceptional” heart?

~ mid second round kid in the top-15.

Seems legit.

I do like the table tho, nice colors.

56 Games, 60 Pts, 83 PIMS.

Fun player to watch.

 

[bland]

Stutzle is as good or better than Byfield at everything except physique yet he has a worse future?

To be fair, Byfield's potential is the only category I would rate him as superior as well.

If both players fully pan out, Byfield will be more valuable. If both have a hiccup or two along the way, Stützle's impact will likely be higher.

 

[Stimpythecat]

When your ultimate goal is the stanley cup, sometimes you have to take calculated risks. I would say Byfield is one such risk.

That being said, I would also support Stutzle should the kings pick him. Yannetti knows what he's doing so I trust his judgement.

 

[KINGS17]

Dominant play at the center, top pairing defenseman, and goaltending positions win Stanley Cups. This is why Byfield is the pick for the Kings.

 

[Crownroyal21]

A center(Byfield) is more valuable then a winger(stutzel). Come on guys this is no brainer. I’m more interested in the three 2nd round picks.

 

[Bandit]

Dominant play at the center, top pairing defenseman, and goaltending win Stanley Cups. This is why Byfield is the pick for the Kings.

This.

A center(Byfield) is more valuable then a winger(stutzel). Come on guys this is no brainer. I’m more interested in the three 2nd round picks.

And this.
It's exactly why you don't build around someone like Liane, or Gaborik, or Nash. Great players, but not centerpieces. The Patrick Kanes of the world that can dominate from the wing are few and far between.

 

[cyclones22]

I think if the Kings do draft Stutzle, it's because they're convinced he can and will play center in the NHL.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

This.



And this.
It's exactly why you don't build around someone like Liane, or Gaborik, or Nash. Great players, but not centerpieces. The Patrick Kanes of the world that can dominate from the wing are few and far between.

And part of the reason Patrick Kane was able to dominate was Toews gobbling matchups.

 

[King'sPawn]

To be fair, Byfield's potential is the only category I would rate him as superior as well.

If both players fully pan out, Byfield will be more valuable. If both have a hiccup or two along the way, Stützle's impact will likely be higher.

I disagree a bit. I think Stutzle is flashier, but there are several skills where I feel Byfield is better. Yes, there are some skills Stutzle is better as well. I'm not disputing the assessment of skills.

I just think it's weird that Stutzle's future is a "top 6" and Byfield's future is an all-star if one is better at everything else except physique.

I don't understand the projection difference and don't understand why Byfield is ranked No. 2 if Stutzle is otherwise better in every other way.

It would just make more sense to me if they ranked Stutzle No. 2. I would disagree, but it would make more sense.

 

[AKAY47]

A week to go and still no inside scoop from anyone on where the Kings are leaning. Holding their cards close.

 

[cyclones22]

Only hint of anything we've gotten so far is from Hoven, who has maintained Byfield in a close race, but it's probably been weeks since his last touch on the subject. Also from Jim Fox, who has stated on record he prefers Byfield. Jim absolutely is clued in. He was in on Turcotte being at the top of the wish list at #5 last season. Now, it's entirely possible that he's not projecting the Kings preference as his own and his opinion is independent of the Kings train of thought. But when you read his analysis of Byfield and Stutzle, it sounds like a scout's analysis. Like a regurgitation of things he's been told. Anyway, thank goodness the end is almost near.

 

[bland]

I disagree a bit. I think Stutzle is flashier, but there are several skills where I feel Byfield is better. Yes, there are some skills Stutzle is better as well. I'm not disputing the assessment of skills.

I just think it's weird that Stutzle's future is a "top 6" and Byfield's future is an all-star if one is better at everything else except physique.

I don't understand the projection difference and don't understand why Byfield is ranked No. 2 if Stutzle is otherwise better in every other way.

It would just make more sense to me if they ranked Stutzle No. 2. I would disagree, but it would make more sense.

Honestly, I believe that most of the projections are due to the fact that a huge, agile, fast, skilled center is probably the single rarest entity in the game. Regardless of Byfield's individual ability, which is ridiculously high, anyone who checks those particular boxes is potentially going to be extra valued (not overvalued) at the top of the draft.

I think it's a little telling that Byfield, given his ability and rarity, isn't given more consideration at first overall. Byfield is a little slow on the boil. There are concerns that the fire there isn't as hot as it needs to be to reach the ceiling. Those are legitimate concerns, whether we individually agree with them or not. That's what is keeping him from going neck and neck with a freaking left wing who isn't necessarily considered to be a real franchise player, just the most polished and surest. It's why he is far closer to #3 than #1.

Stützle doesn't have that particular batch of concerns. His overall skill translating in the NHL is a concern, but not his motor. He is easy to appreciate because you see a level of desire there that is already higher than most NHL players. I don't think Stützle or any one in this draft is a franchise level player - but Byfield's role is more highly valued. So Stützle's admirable personal traits are being measured against a hockey truism, not necessarily the player himself. I know that is why I would pick Byfield even though I think that Stützle will likely be the more impactful of the two. History shows that dominant centers are immensely valuable, and the Kings have a very good shot at one. They have Turcotte and Vilardi if Byfield doesn't hit, they can afford that chance.

 

[King'sPawn]

Honestly, I believe that most of the projections are due to the fact that a huge, agile, fast, skilled center is probably the single rarest entity in the game. Regardless of Byfield's individual ability, which is ridiculously high, anyone who checks those particular boxes is potentially going to be extra valued (not overvalued) at the top of the draft.

I think it's a little telling that Byfield, given his ability and rarity, isn't given more consideration at first overall. Byfield is a little slow on the boil. There are concerns that the fire there isn't as hot as it needs to be to reach the ceiling. Those are legitimate concerns, whether we individually agree with them or not. That's what is keeping him from going neck and neck with a freaking left wing who isn't necessarily considered to be a real franchise player, just the most polished and surest. It's why he is far closer to #3 than #1.

Stützle doesn't have that particular batch of concerns. His overall skill translating in the NHL is a concern, but not his motor. He is easy to appreciate because you see a level of desire there that is already higher than most NHL players. I don't think Stützle or any one in this draft is a franchise level player - but Byfield's role is more highly valued. So Stützle's admirable personal traits are being measured against a hockey truism, not necessarily the player himself. I know that is why I would pick Byfield even though I think that Stützle will likely be the more impactful of the two. History shows that dominant centers are immensely valuable, and the Kings have a very good shot at one. They have Turcotte and Vilardi if Byfield doesn't hit, they can afford that chance.

Lafreniére has been the touted first overalls for many years. Unless there's an underwhelming or disappointing season, it's very rare for a projected first overall to lose it.

I think the issue with Byfield is he doesn't play with the same intensity as Lafreniére or Stützle, which is fair. He has a Kopitar-like intensity: not lazy, but even-keeled, and at times lacking an urgency you might otherwise see.

Laf has played edgy. He elevates his game. I get why he's a top pick. But I don't think his skillset is significantly better than Byfield. The biggest difference I see is his demand to control the pace of the game.

 

[King'sPawn]

A week to go and still no inside scoop from anyone on where the Kings are leaning. Holding their cards close.

I wouldn't expect anything more specific or concrete than what Hoven alluded to, to be honest. If anything, it's because things can change.

Even Yannetti, while certain who the pick is, isn't 100% committing to "we know who we're getting. No question."

 

[KINGS17]

Honestly, I believe that most of the projections are due to the fact that a huge, agile, fast, skilled center is probably the single rarest entity in the game. Regardless of Byfield's individual ability, which is ridiculously high, anyone who checks those particular boxes is potentially going to be extra valued (not overvalued) at the top of the draft.

I think it's a little telling that Byfield, given his ability and rarity, isn't given more consideration at first overall. Byfield is a little slow on the boil. There are concerns that the fire there isn't as hot as it needs to be to reach the ceiling. Those are legitimate concerns, whether we individually agree with them or not. That's what is keeping him from going neck and neck with a freaking left wing who isn't necessarily considered to be a real franchise player, just the most polished and surest. It's why he is far closer to #3 than #1.

Stützle doesn't have that particular batch of concerns. His overall skill translating in the NHL is a concern, but not his motor. He is easy to appreciate because you see a level of desire there that is already higher than most NHL players. I don't think Stützle or any one in this draft is a franchise level player - but Byfield's role is more highly valued. So Stützle's admirable personal traits are being measured against a hockey truism, not necessarily the player himself. I know that is why I would pick Byfield even though I think that Stützle will likely be the more impactful of the two. History shows that dominant centers are immensely valuable, and the Kings have a very good shot at one. They have Turcotte and Vilardi if Byfield doesn't hit, they can afford that chance.

We did quite well with another 1C who spent quite a bit of his career on simmer.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

I wouldn't expect anything more specific or concrete than what Hoven alluded to, to be honest. If anything, it's because things can change.

Even Yannetti, while certain who the pick is, isn't 100% committing to "we know who we're getting. No question."

I wonder if that's from experience, like what transpired in 2015 when the team would/should have drafted Barzal, but made the trade for Lucic on draft day.

Not that I think Rob Blake would do something stupid like that, but I guess you never know until the announcement is made. Of course plans could change if the imaginable happened, like if Dubas got drunk and offered up Matthews for #2.

 

[Statto]

I disagree a bit. I think Stutzle is flashier, but there are several skills where I feel Byfield is better. Yes, there are some skills Stutzle is better as well. I'm not disputing the assessment of skills.

I just think it's weird that Stutzle's future is a "top 6" and Byfield's future is an all-star if one is better at everything else except physique.

I don't understand the projection difference and don't understand why Byfield is ranked No. 2 if Stutzle is otherwise better in every other way.

It would just make more sense to me if they ranked Stutzle No. 2. I would disagree, but it would make more sense.

Whilst I like it the chart is very crude. Each catagory won’t have equal weighting and there will still be a range of ability within each rating.

Regardless of how each individual category is rated, I’m seeing more and more assessments of Byfield being a potential All-Star player, so the ranking of the top 3 looks right.

More interesting is what’s beneath that. I actually agree with Drysdale dropping and it would be no shock if Sanderson goes before him... but I think 4 is too high.

 

[KingsOfCali25]

Look I'm on the Stutzle bandwagon but think that LA management is gonna pick Byfield. Which is a great choice too! Way better than the guy (Holtz) who I was thinking about when we were going to get 7OA before the draft (our luck). But we get blessed with good fortune at #2. I know LA's management will make the best decision for the team (really hard to go wrong in our spot).

But why I say LA will pick Byfield is because I believe I read a tweet or some interview with either Blake/Yaz saying that "One guy will speed up the rebuild and the other will extend the Cup window." Which in my mind means that Stutzle will make the team better now and will be NHL ready early vs. Byfield that will take some time but will better for the cup chances down the line.

 

[cyclones22]

I'm just looking forward to putting my energy toward players that are actual Kings property in a week. Speculation is exhausting.

 

[DoktorJeep]

I’m looking forward to the kings taking Byfield in a couple of days. Watching his videos for the past couple of days makes me think he projects to be a Matthews type of #1C. The kid uses his frame and skating momentum to get his shots off from the slot. You can’t teach that type of skill.

Byfield may not be a 50 goal scorer in the nhl, but he would be #3/4 on the kings depth chart at center immediately. Getting a successor in place for Kopitar is a good idea.

 

[Inner Turbulence]

I just think it's weird that Stutzle's future is a "top 6" and Byfield's future is an all-star if one is better at everything else except physique.

But Stutzle isnt (ranked) better than Byfield at everything else. He is ranked better at "Heart" and "Feet". Byfield has the lead in Physique. Rest has them at even. And I wonder where their respective shots fits in this formula anyway - as that is supposed to be a point of comparative weakness for Stutzle.

Go pick Byfield. Move on to the next pick.