This Kings Spotlight anticipates how Quinton Byfield is primed for a bigger role headed into his second full season with the Kings. Byfield was selected second overall in the 2020 Draft by Los Angeles, and the organization has been careful with his development. Byfield is seen as a cornerstone piece of the franchise’s future. He played a full-time role with the Kings in the 2023-24 season after he spent the previous two years bouncing between the Kings and their AHL affiliate Ontario Reign.
Byfield Looks to Take Next Steps Forward
2023-24 Season Recap
Byfield had a rather underwhelming year in 2022-23. He played 53 games with the Kings and scored just 22 points (3 goals, 19 assists). It was a season that had Kings fans already feeling discouraged by his development and wondering about his future in Los Angeles. But in his first full season with the Kings, Byfield made enormous strides in his development. He notched career highs across the board, putting up 55 points (20 goals, 35 assists). He also finished with a +19 rating while playing in 80 games. Byfield did this while only averaging 16:29 of ice time per night, and he is expected to see more ice time this season.
At the end of last season, Byfield became a Restricted Free Agent (RFA). His impressive season earned him a 5-year, $31.25 million ($6.25 million AAV) contract extension. He will remain with the Kings through 2028-29. Byfield’s new contract is something that has breathed new optimism into the future of the team.
2024-25 Season Expectations
The upcoming season brings lofty expectations for Byfield to repeat his production from last year or exceed it. The Kings are seemingly on the cusp of taking their next big step. After a relatively quick rebuild cycle, Los Angeles has been in the playoff mix for three straight seasons. However, they have been eliminated by their division rival Edmonton Oilers each time in the first round.
This season could mark a turning point for the Kings. Their past franchise cornerstone players are aging – Captain Anze Kopitar is 37 and defenseman Drew Doughty will turn 35 in December. The Kings are a team that cannot rely on their veteran players to get it done. They need their younger players to step up, and that starts with Byfield. He is expected to return to his primary position of centre this season; he played as a winger the majority of last season. He is also projected to see second line and first power play minutes.
The shift back to centre will be critical for Byfield’s production on offense and his contributions on defence. In the 2021-22 season, Byfield played centre and won 45.4% of his faceoffs, and that is a number he will look to improve upon this year. Playing on the second line, Byfield will likely see ice time with talented winger Kevin Fiala. Fiala’s playmaking ability will enable Byfield to capitalize on more scoring chances. If Byfield can reach that 25-goal and 60-point milestone, it will provide a great boost for the Kings’ offense.
Kings Spotlight Outlook
The Kings organization has a lot to be excited about with Byfield, and he has quickly become a young face of the franchise. He may have taken slightly longer to develop than Kings fans had hoped, but the wait has clearly paid off. Byfield is a player that has true superstar potential thanks to his combination of size and skill. He is able to play a well-rounded, two-way forward style game, making strong contributions on both sides of the ice. And now, the Kings have another five years to look forward to with Byfield. Not only does he possess incredible talent, but he is developing into a natural leader as well. He will be an exciting player to watch this season.
Main Photo: Yannick Peterhans-Imagn Images
