WJC - Byfield Thoughts

[Ziggy Stardust]

Yes.. Ryan Phoeling, he went from WJC MVP, elite status according to media and local montreal fans to losing the 4th line spot to Evans. High expectations couldn't deliver. At the time McGuire even said he will be a real special player for montreal for a long time. He is no more than a 4th liner if he ever makes it.

So pretty much another Justin Pogge situation, who the Leafs thought would be the goalie of the future after a stellar WJC, and thus dealt away Tuukka Rask for Andrew Raycroft.

Poehling was a late first who posted 5 goals and 8 points in 7 games, and a classic case of how overhyped and overblown these performances are from the media and fans.

You’d think a quick glance of tournament leaders throughout the past decade or so would make people aware of this fact, but nope.

 

[Eagle Fang]

So pretty much another Justin Pogge situation, who the Leafs thought would be the goalie of the future after a stellar WJC, and thus dealt away Tuukka Rask for Andrew Raycroft.

Poehling was a late first who posted 5 goals and 8 points in 7 games, and a classic case of how overhyped and overblown these performances are from the media and fans.

You’d think a quick glance of tournament leaders throughout the past decade or so would make people aware of this fact, but nope.

Someone posted stats of some of the top players in the NHL and their total WJC points. All of them except Mackinnon did good to ok points wise. Now of course points are not necessarily the greatest way to determine anything but it is an actual stat that can be referenced. Essentially, more often than not, top players in the NHL did produce in the WJCs.

People argued guys like Eric Staal didn't even make the team, but that was during his draft year and by the next WJCs he was in the NHL. Same thing with Dach. If not for COVID, he wouldn't have played in this years WJC either.

So yes, success in the WJC doesn't mean success in the NHL for everyone, but it can be argued that the top players in the NHL have had success there.

 

[LAKings88]

So pretty much another Justin Pogge situation, who the Leafs thought would be the goalie of the future after a stellar WJC, and thus dealt away Tuukka Rask for Andrew Raycroft.

Poehling was a late first who posted 5 goals and 8 points in 7 games, and a classic case of how overhyped and overblown these performances are from the media and fans.

You’d think a quick glance of tournament leaders throughout the past decade or so would make people aware of this fact, but nope.

You also had guys that tore it up and went onto good careers.

 

[King'sPawn]

This year is so unusual. I think this will be used as a frame of reference for years to come (not necessarily Byfield, but in general).

 

[bland]

This year is so unusual. I think this will be used as a frame of reference for years to come (not necessarily Byfield, but in general).

Here's hoping that we never have refer to this year again!

The WJCs are the only normalcy we have seen. By now all of these kids should have a couple of months of hockey under their belts before being showcased. Its all we have to talk about, unfortunately, and its a couple of notches below the quality we normally enjoy.

 

[King'sPawn]

Here's hoping that we never have refer to this year again!

The WJCs are the only normalcy we have seen. By now all of these kids should have a couple of months of hockey under their belts before being showcased. Its all we have to talk about, unfortunately, and its a couple of notches below the quality we normally enjoy.

Agreed.

Europeans have had intermittent play time. US-players have, at most, a bit over a dozen games (in the USHL). CHL has had zero games except for QMJHL.

These players are all out of sync, as far as skills, mental, emotional tuning. Their rhythm is off.

Of course, I look forward to any Kings prospects to hopefully win a medal. But we would be remiss to use this year as any kind of analysis to any player or team.

 

[The Tikkanen]

I've learned in my time as a Kings fan to wait to judge draft picks until I can see about 20NHL games out of them. I got burned by Aki Berg, Storr and
Olli Jokinen who was compared to Esa Tikkanen which couldn't be more wrong. Then there was the You Tube hype videos of Jack Johnson who was literally going to "kill" other NHL players. It turned out the biggest hit of his career was received behind the net by an opposing player

 

[Johnny Utah]

The biggest hit of Jack Johnson’s career was the financial hit after his parents stole his money.

 

[kingsfan28]

Remember when Hughes and Kakko looked like stars at the World Juniors in their draft years, and remember how they looked in the NHL this past season? Or do some of you have short memories?

Hughes still looks like he could use a year or 2 in the minors.

 

[kingsfan28]

The biggest hit of Jack Johnson’s career was the financial hit after his parents stole his money.

Damn man, that's cold...

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

The biggest hit of Jack Johnson’s career was the financial hit after his parents stole his money.

The Jan Bulis hit on Johnson in his debut is a close second. A nice “welcome to the NHL moment” for him.

 

[Sol]

Have any careers been made or broken based on a World Juniors performance? Inquiring minds would like to know.

Mentioning Hughes and Kakko means nothing. He looks out of place in the WJC and it's very noticeable to people who arent biased. I want him to succeed but let's not act like he's not been very underwhelming. I just again think that he's very far from being NHL ready is a bad look for a second overall pick. Some of my concerns about him when we drafted him are on full display so far.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Mentioning Hughes and Kakko means nothing. He looks out of place in the WJC and it's very noticeable to people who arent biased. I want him to succeed but let's not act like he's not been very underwhelming. I just again think that he's very far from being NHL ready is a bad look for a second overall pick. Some of my concerns about him when we drafted him are on full display so far.

It means a lot if you paid any attention to their WJC performances, which didn't exactly translate to NHL success in their rookie years. Thankfully the Kings aren't going to be rushing Byfield like those two were rushed to the pros. Has Byfield been underwhelming thus far? Sure. But he's also made some progress in terms of upping his physical play, which could be something that is asked of him to do in a checking role on a loaded Canadian roster. He's winning draws and throwing his weight around in some very limited ice time.

I guess being patient and not being overreactive and not being a drama queen means that I'm being biased.

 

[Lt Dan]

The biggest hit of Jack Johnson’s career was the financial hit after his parents stole his money.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

I got burned by Aki Berg, Storr and
Olli Jokinen who was compared to Esa Tikkanen which couldn't be more wrong.

Jokinen is a great example for this Byfield talk...it took Jokinen 5 seasons in the NHL to become an impact player. FIVE YEARS....and some of you are writing off an 18-year old Byfield after two games in the World Juniors. L....O.....L

 

[LAKings88]

It means a lot if you paid any attention to their WJC performances, which didn't exactly translate to NHL success in their rookie years. Thankfully the Kings aren't going to be rushing Byfield like those two were rushed to the pros. Has Byfield been underwhelming thus far? Sure. But he's also made some progress in terms of upping his physical play, which could be something that is asked of him to do in a checking role on a loaded Canadian roster. He's winning draws and throwing his weight around in some very limited ice time.

I guess being patient and not being overreactive and not being a drama queen means that I'm being biased.

I like you Ziggy and always have. I appreciate your insight and posts. I do think you are a bit on the other side of the extreme with Byfield tho. I get you want to temper those of us that may be on a ledge but don’t just bash people for raising a concern either.

I bought into Byfield and still have hope. I’m concerned he hasn’t elevated his game in any world tournament against stiffer competition not just this one. Maybe he will in the next few games.

Now of course it’s compounded by Stutzle going right after him. Stutzle has an it factor and does seem to take it up a notch. Still don’t know if that will translate to the NHL of course.

To me as it stands, I think LA is following its philosophy that won them cups with Byfield. Overall decent big who is responsible in his own end. Best outcome is Kopi. The kings have been bland for so long tho that part of me wanted the more exciting player. Again I wavered but settled happily on Byfield knowing LA is trying to rebuild a winner. Just that nagging feeling that Stutzle has some Kane or Bure in his game. I sometimes long for that flash when watching Kings games.

Also I know All the Kings men says that him being #2 doesn’t matter but yeah it does. It is a colossal spot to have a possible bust. Not that QB is at this point.

 

[Sparky206]

The kid will not bust, his stats for his age have him around the top 10 all time in OHL. Put him in his own team with consistent line mates and watch him fly.

Some people can struggle when they are not the guy, it can be difficult when your used to being the 1C and carrying a team to becoming a 3C with unfamiliar faces and used in a different role. When your the main man your teammates will defer to you, when your not you may end up deferring to your teammates in situations you usually wouldn't

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

How am I being on the other side of the extreme? By pointing out that people overreacting based on limited viewings of a kid who turned 18 a few months ago who hasn’t played competitive hockey in nine months? Has he done anything to merit more ice time? Of course not. But has he been presented with those opportunities? Nope.

So I’m looking at what he’s doing and what role he’s playing in seeing limited action, and I’m seeing a far more physical Byfield thus far. Of course that isn’t the reason he was selected at #2, but he’s adapting to the situation he’s put in and I’m not seeing him be outshined by any of his linemates or opponents when he’s on the ice. Essentially, there’s no takeaway from this tournament. Other than the fact that some of you seem to enjoy to panic. Same thing happened last year with Turcotte.

 

[LeProspector]

Stuetzle vs Byfield

And on cue with all the Byfield hate, someone makes a poll of Stuetzle vs Byfield. Of course, Byfield is getting crushed by people who only care about “what have you done for me lately”.

 

[LAKings88]

How am I being on the other side of the extreme? By pointing out that people overreacting based on limited viewings of a kid who turned 18 a few months ago who hasn’t played competitive hockey in nine months? Has he done anything to merit more ice time? Of course not. But has he been presented with those opportunities? Nope.

So I’m looking at what he’s doing and what role he’s playing in seeing limited action, and I’m seeing a far more physical Byfield thus far. Of course that isn’t the reason he was selected at #2, but he’s adapting to the situation he’s put in and I’m not seeing him be outshined by any of his linemates or opponents when he’s on the ice. Essentially, there’s no takeaway from this tournament. Other than the fact that some of you seem to enjoy to panic. Same thing happened last year with Turcotte.

You honestly seem like you don’t want to hear any criticism of either player. You act as if it’s complete overreaction and blow it off.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Stuetzle vs Byfield

And on cue with all the Byfield hate, someone makes a poll of Stuetzle vs Byfield. Of course, Byfield is getting crushed by people who only care about “what have you done for me lately”.

Based on WJC numbers, Nic Petan is a better player than Jack Eichel and Brayden Point, and Alex Nylander will have a far more productive career than David Pastrnak. Also, Julien Gauthier is far superior compared to Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Kieffer Bellows will be a sure fire sniper in the NHL.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

You honestly seem like you don’t want to hear any criticism of either player. You act as if it’s complete overreaction and blow it off.

Because making predictions on how ones career will project after these games is completely reasonable. I’m the one being extreme here when suggesting that expectations should be tempered.

 

[LAKings88]

Because making predictions on how ones career will project after these games is completely reasonable. I’m the one being extreme here when suggesting that expectations should be tempered.

WJC are not the end all be all. Tempered expectations are a good thing.

Jumping on people for saying they are concerned and being snarky about it doesn’t help the conversation.

Byfield is not the next Andreoff. That was ill informed and extreme. Not everyone who may have a critical eye should be lumped into that.

OHL numbers are also not the end all be all.

Being a kid in a man’s body feasting on lesser talent doesn’t paint a whole picture either. Byfield has all the tools to be a number one center. He needs time to develop. Patience is needed.

In the end we are all Kings fans. Here’s to hoping that potential translates to what the scouts picked him for.

 

[MrGuyPerson]

For those that remember my pre-draft posts I was obviously extremely high on Stützle. That being restated, any concern about Byfield is pretty silly. Going into the draft I said Byfield needed/needs another year of junior. There is now a bit of supporting evidence to that, but it doesn't change that when he was drafted it included the intent to pursue that development path. It was commonly said and seemingly understood that he would not be immediately ready to contribute in the NHL. He was drafted for what he would be 2-3 seasons later not the what he could bring this season.

It is unfortunate because I'm not sure if it was covid, the success of the other potential picks, or a combination of the two factors but impatience seems to be lighting a bit of a fire. Byfield not having his OHL season to this point has muddled his development or more accurately the perception of his development a bit. Timmy Stützle playing at WJ like Timmy Studs-La certainly hasn't helped. It looks like Timmy is gonna have and impact in the NHL sooner and thats pouring a bit of gas on the fire. Once again though that was a known difference between the players as picks. Overall the development plan is still going in the exact direction intended when Byfield was drafted. At some point it seems like the expectation shifted for fans from 2-3 seasons to well covid happened so maybe we will just bring him in now and he will just take off running. He's not ready, long development was the expectation. Everyone's gotta chill. Yeah, it will suck watching Stützle be Studs-la, but the hope is in 2-3 years should be worth the wait. Waiting does suck, but again everyone(most importantly team execs) seemed pretty on board with it going into the draft. It took Couturier 7 seasons to bring offense to the table. Byfield will still likely contribute sooner than that

 

[Butch 19]

I wish he was getting 3 goals a game at WJC but honestly I’m not concerned at all.

Do you actually think some posters may be thinking that you are lying to us?