Byfield

Some load management when it comes to TOI isn't stupid. We all know many injuries happen because of exhaustion-caused recklessnes. Given the Kings record so far and that it's still very early in the season there really is no reason to push it so soon. Simply ease him into a bigger role (more PP and PK) with time. Besides, he had 17 mins TOI against Veggies...
 
Bollocks said:
Some load management when it comes to TOI isn't stupid. We all know many injuries happen because of exhaustion-caused recklessnes. Given the Kings record so far and that it's still very early in the season there really is no reason to push it so soon. Simply ease him into a bigger role (more PP and PK) with time. Besides, he had 17 mins TOI against Veggies...
Click to expand...
Fair points! Why change something that works…
 
Go Byfield Go! I was a supporter the day he was drafted!
 

Attachments

  • IMG_4722.jpeg
    IMG_4722.jpeg
    420.8 KB · Views: 55
  • IMG_4902.jpeg
    IMG_4902.jpeg
    565.2 KB · Views: 59
Seeing Byfield and Stutzle playing head to head tonight, I will go on record to say that I think I am satisfied that we picked QB instead. I believe his game will translate much better to tough playoff type hockey, and he may still develop into a PPG player, even though I don’t think he’ll ever score as many goals as Stutzle does.
 
DarkLeftHand said:
Seeing Byfield and Stutzle playing head to head tonight, I will go on record to say that I think I am satisfied that we picked QB instead. I believe his game will translate much better to tough playoff type hockey, and he may still develop into a PPG player, even though I don’t think he’ll ever score as many goals as Stutzle does.
Click to expand...
Playing on a line with Kopi and Juice I don't care if he EVER scores another goal. Assist, Assist, ASSIST is good enough for me. If he's getting a s**tload of assists someone is scoring and the Kings are winning a s**tload of games.
 
DarkLeftHand said:
Seeing Byfield and Stutzle playing head to head tonight, I will go on record to say that I think I am satisfied that we picked QB instead. I believe his game will translate much better to tough playoff type hockey, and he may still develop into a PPG player, even though I don’t think he’ll ever score as many goals as Stutzle does.
Click to expand...
Agree, and come playoff time Byfield's size and play style has the advantage when it comes to impact.

It's playing out a lot like the scouts had projected - Stutzle will be a stud in the offensive zone and it's unlikely that Byfield will match his scoring touch, however Byfield will be a more complete player and better in nearly every other facet of the game. Stutzle is much better defensively, especially one on one, than he was projected to be however. But seeing Byfield fighting off three Senators on the boards in the offensive zone to maintain the puck and complete a near perfect pass was really a thing of beauty tonight.

He looked like one of the most dangerous Kings out there tonight in the offensive zone.
 
Byfield is generating multiple high quality high danger scoring opportunities on a nightly basis. Even if he doesn’t stay this consistently dangerous in the offensive zone this season we’re seeing the game start to bend to his will over the last stretch of games. Very very encouraging.
 
Statue4Deano said:
Byfield is generating multiple high quality high danger scoring opportunities on a nightly basis. Even if he doesn’t stay this consistently dangerous in the offensive zone this season we’re seeing the game start to bend to his will over the last stretch of games. Very very encouraging.
Click to expand...
He seems right on the absolute edge of discovering that, yes, he can actually do this. Despite all the dramatics here I'm convinced he's going to become an absolute beast. He's so strong and powerful on his skates. He's figured out passing at the NHL level. If his shot comes around teams will have to game plan for him. So glad to have Kopi and PLD there to coach him on using his size and reach. This is going to be an exciting season to watch if he stays healthy.
 
Everything else is coming along nicely. Next summer, the area of his game he needs to work on is shooting. A lot of blocked shots, missing the net, whiffs... Practice one-timers, passes too far in front, too far behind, into the skates. For inspiration, watch that old video of Alex Kovalev picking top corners one-handed on the backhand. Then shoot some more.
 
Look at the draft picks with Byfield that year. Now look at their stats. Look at the #1 overall pick. Hmm 21, 31, 39 pts. Byfield... yeah... not as good those first 2 years like the #1 pick buttt...good what he was doing and what he is doing NOW. I actually would take him over Lafreniere who has 4 goals. 0 assists. +1 and only 1 min more toi. Sure, I had some doubts last year. But so far this year, easy bank taking Byfield over the CLEAR #1 pick his same year.

And honestly this will only help him when kopi hits that downgrade time. Byfield is learning from him and can fill the center spot (since that was his natural spot) when the time comes.
 
Hopefully we can close this Byfield vs Stutzle discussion pretty soon!

Good for Ottawa (who I couldn’t care less about) that Stutzle works out for them. But the way Byfield is playing right now with 10 points, a +7 in 11 games and the way he’s starting to dominate some parts of the game with his speed, size and tenacity, is just a joy to see!

Love it!
 
Byfield is now trending, if not squarely, in the untouchable category. There’s really no point in comparing him to any of his peers. He’s arrived and he’s establishing himself as a force across the league.

Even if he doesn’t keep up this level of play for the rest of the season he’s showing that he has a grasp on the fundamental parts of the game. You mix in his elite physical attributes and his offensive IQ and his playmaking and we’re now seeing one of the most unique young players to ever suit up for the Kings.
 
Its funny that one of the biggest things that seems to be changing in regards to Q is his hockey sense. There was definitely a knock on him in the past that while he had great physical tools he might have relied on them to get himself out of higher level anticipation. The connection he's forging with Kempe though, maybe it never translates to another linemate, but maybe it does. That to me has been the most welcome development along with his confidence levels this year. He's clearly putting in a ton of work on getting that timing with other players together and the game itself is definitely slowing down for him.

One final observation, it definitely seems like hes less out over his skates now. Looks even faster and in more control for it.
 
jammer06 said:
Its funny that one of the biggest things that seems to be changing in regards to Q is his hockey sense. There was definitely a knock on him in the past that while he had great physical tools he might have relied on them to get himself out of higher level anticipation. The connection he's forging with Kempe though, maybe it never translates to another linemate, but maybe it does. That to me has been the most welcome development along with his confidence levels this year. He's clearly putting in a ton of work on getting that timing with other players together and the game itself is definitely slowing down for him.

One final observation, it definitely seems like hes less out over his skates now. Looks even faster and in more control for it.
Click to expand...
He's starting to realize that he can impose his will at this level. He did it at the end of tonight's game beating two defenders, controlling the puck and passing the almost game winner to Kopi. He's going to be special when he puts it all together. That line is dominating opponents. Kempe is a beast. And PLD is learning the system and breaking down the defenses with his entries as Fox yakked about all night. It's early, but this team, combined with the competence of the 4th line is approaching juggernaut status. We're close to Kopi / Carter / Richards offensively. So close.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Now Chirping

Share this page

Back
Top