For the amrchair scouts out there, what do you see in Byfield?

[Helvetica]

It's way too soon to say it's hopeless and he sucks. My problem with management is having the kid make the transition from center to winger while playing on the top line.

When Vilardi went through that same process, he was sent to Ontario to relearn the game from that position. Byfield probably would have benefited from the same experience. If management is convinced QB's future is as a winger, why not put him in a place where he can get more hands-on guidance and be allowed to grow into the position? Right now, his decision making and his skill level are not up to NHL first line standards. This is simple, observable reality

Hey -- it worked with Gabe. Why would it have been any different for QB? Of course, it's too late now to break up the roster with only 22 games left in a very tight playoff race. Just wish the Kings had sent him down earlier in the season. I think management may have made it harder on the kid with their decision to have him learn on the job.

some of it might be attitude. There were several comments made early, and i feel they've all basically been confirmed, that Vilardi's attitude was absolutely an issue early in his development. They couldnt have him around the team because he was such a downer, but they still wanted him to work on his development. The difference too, to me, is that Byfield is struggling to produce, but his work ethic looks good. He makes some mistakes, sure, but it's not because he looks disinterested. He's out there doing what the coaches ask. He's having success with the fundamentals. His line is thriving.

I keep coming back to the fact that he needs games. And lots of them. Certainly id like to see more points, and that's concerning, but i dont mind at all seeing him play wing on the top line right now. He's facing some of the toughest competition in the league. He's playing high pressure situations. He's not out of place on the defensive side.

 

[Pevsfreedom]

I think the main problem people have with Byfield (and actually, more with Todd), myself included, is the first line ice time. I think it's great he's developing and growing into his body and game but I'd really prefer if he was doing such down on the 3rd or 4th line. I'd personally maybe stick him with Fiala (IDK if they match up winger wise and all that - I believe Byfield is a natural center so.. maybe) who seems to elevate everyone around him. But regardless I think he should be learning the game at a lower role. Learn the fundamentals and hard work of a 3rd/4th liner grind line before being plopped on the skill line, with such little development in... skill. IMO.

 

[VCRW]

some of it might be attitude. There were several comments made early, and i feel they've all basically been confirmed, that Vilardi's attitude was absolutely an issue early in his development. They couldnt have him around the team because he was such a downer, but they still wanted him to work on his development. The difference too, to me, is that Byfield is struggling to produce, but his work ethic looks good. He makes some mistakes, sure, but it's not because he looks disinterested. He's out there doing what the coaches ask. He's having success with the fundamentals. His line is thriving.

I keep coming back to the fact that he needs games. And lots of them. Certainly id like to see more points, and that's concerning, but i dont mind at all seeing him play wing on the top line right now. He's facing some of the toughest competition in the league. He's playing high pressure situations. He's not out of place on the defensive side.

Regardless of the reasons for sending Vilardi to Ontario, the player who was a centerman when he left the team returned a competent winger with the ability to score in the NHL. Gabe learned so much from his time in the AHL, I thought it would have been a compelling example. And I still think Gabe is a better fit with Kopi and Juice.

 

[Helvetica]

Regardless of the reasons for sending Vilardi to Ontario, the player who was a centerman when he left the team returned a competent winger with the ability to score in the NHL. Gabe learned so much from his time in the AHL, I thought it would have been a compelling example. And I still think Gabe is a better fit with Kopi and Juice.

im not saying it wasnt a good move, only that the circumstances are a little different and i can see why Byfield is up here on the wing right now. I wouldnt mind seeing Vilardi back up in the top 6 right now, especially with Moore out. It could be fun to watch a 3rd line of Fiala, Byfield, and Iaffalo. There ar ea lot of options, but i think the top line has looked good over this past stretch, so i can see why coach would be inclined not to mess with it until he needs the shakeup.

 

[LB49er]

some of it might be attitude. There were several comments made early, and i feel they've all basically been confirmed, that Vilardi's attitude was absolutely an issue early in his development. They couldnt have him around the team because he was such a downer, but they still wanted him to work on his development. The difference too, to me, is that Byfield is struggling to produce, but his work ethic looks good. He makes some mistakes, sure, but it's not because he looks disinterested. He's out there doing what the coaches ask. He's having success with the fundamentals. His line is thriving.

I keep coming back to the fact that he needs games. And lots of them. Certainly id like to see more points, and that's concerning, but i dont mind at all seeing him play wing on the top line right now. He's facing some of the toughest competition in the league. He's playing high pressure situations. He's not out of place on the defensive side.

Wow, I didn’t know that about Vilardi. Interesting.

As for Byfield, I guess his work ethic is good, but he’s a rookie, so work ethic is the LEAST he can bring to the table. I’m not watching games to see his work ethic. That’s a given. He needs to show passionate desire to make an impact, to bring something to the table the other players don’t. For example, I felt Clarke did this when he was in the lineup. A little tentative when it came to shooting the puck, but he made moves and solid plays (or at least tried them).

I guess I just need to see what’s special about Byfield. He’s not fast. His shot’s nothing impressive. And his passing is good, not great, but good. There’s always hope, but I think we all fear that Byfield was simply a physically mature kid in juniors, who’s now in a league where everyone is as big as he is, and apparently a lot faster too.

 

[jammer06]

Wow, I didn’t know that about Vilardi. Interesting.

As for Byfield, I guess his work ethic is good, but he’s a rookie, so work ethic is the LEAST he can bring to the table. I’m not watching games to see his work ethic. That’s a given. He needs to show passionate desire to make an impact, to bring something to the table the other players don’t. For example, I felt Clarke did this when he was in the lineup. A little tentative when it came to shooting the puck, but he made moves and solid plays (or at least tried them).

I guess I just need to see what’s special about Byfield. He’s not fast. His shot’s nothing impressive. And his passing is good, not great, but good. There’s always hope, but I think we all fear that Byfield was simply a physically mature kid in juniors, who’s now in a league where everyone is as big as he is, and apparently a lot faster too.

I think the big thing about work ethic is showing as much enthusiasm for backchecking as the offensive side of the game. Gabe was so busy berating himself for small mistakes and they needed him to get to the next play. But his frustration was manifesting out to other teammates as well. I mean there's accountability, and then there's that dude that's flipping desks because his pencil broke but you're trying to get your work done next to him. There was never a hint that he was blaming anyone but himself, but he was so focused on himself that he was dragging everyone down with him.

Honestly I think Q being given the Toby/Spence treatment of go dominate the A and come back to us wouldn't be the end of the world, but I also don't think him on the Kopi line is the end of the world either. I still largely view the structure of the lines as 1a/b and then PP a/b for ice time and production. Fiala being the odd outlying floater who is just taking advantage of matchups. The big mix in all of this is what lineup gets these guys the points they need and in terms of that Q's placement is rearranging the deck chairs on the titanic compared to the goaltending/rate of time on the pk.

 

[MBX5]

This is a great thread. When I watch him, I personally see two things happen repeatedly with QB. The first is that when he is defending or chasing an opposing player with the puck, he will reach his stick out with one hand in an attempt to swipe the puck away, rather than continuing to skate headlong into the opposing player to attempt to pry the other player from the puck. Secondly, it often seems that the puck is like a hot potato on his stick and he can't wait to get rid of it to either Kopi or Kempe and, instead, often gets it to neither of them. While both of these issues could be because he is a half step behind the play, I suspect that it is at least partially due to being a player who is still lacking in confidence and being afraid to get beat on the play when on defense, or getting stripped or make a bad play when handling the puck. I'm also not sure whether the first line is the best place for him right now, but I am certainly not ready to give up on him. He is just so young and I don't think has even fully grown into his frame, which I do think is impacting him adversely at this level where the speed and size of the opposing players is not something he has seen in junior, or even the AHL. I think this is a situation where another year - or maybe two even- will more likely tell the tale.

 

[Ice24]

I believe Byfield matching up with the top lines of other teams will make him a better player. Yes, his goal scoring is absent, but he is getting better. Most players when you play against the best, you become better.

 

[Bollocks]

I will post what I posted in the "Byfield draft analysis" thread since this is the main QB thread and I just hate the sudden impatience concerning QB. I honestly think it's unfair.

I haven’t seen a single high-end skill play from Byfield in the NHL. Ever. And I was tearing my hair out hoping Blake would draft Byfield over Stutzle.

From the video, I was convinced he had speed. I never noticed any special stick handling abilities or exceptional shot. It was just a really fast big guy (kind of reminded me of Hall). It appears he doesn’t have speed, which isn’t good.

It's tough to gather confidence and a timely moment on ice during an NHL game where playoff pressure is on to show off your skill. It seems he's not that kind of flashy guy (like Durzi) who would take (big) risks to show off his skills. He's playing it safe and it's most likely as per the coach's instructions. Maybe it's partly also a confidence issue. There's literally no other explanation. He always had the skill. Why else would people compare him to effin' MALKIN?

People, stop being so pessimistic. He HAS been visibily improving since turning pro, he HAD quite a few bad breaks with injuries and he most likely plays more safely to develop the fundamentals as per the coach's instructions.

Seriously, watch this video of his 2nd Ontario season:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2j8OWi2XeQ

He has all the tools to be a dominant, franchise cornerstone type of a center. He just needs time and proper development. We all knew he's a project - why so impatient all of a sudden?

Remember- Kopitar came into the league and was immediately given the reigns to become the key offensive force, to do whatever it takes to make offense happen. No responsibility, no pressure of making playoffs. No two-way game.


You think Byfield was or should be given the same freedom?! Absolutely not. They intend to make him useful for playoffs, meaning a reliable and responsible physical presence that the Kings NEED, not a berserk forward looking at the goal only. It took Kopitar years to learn how to be a two-way player - but we don't have the luxury of time to give Byfield the chance to be a one dimensional player first, not if the intention is to do damage in the playoffs. The Kings (for a change) have enough offensively gifted forwards to take this approach with QB.

I think that's also the reason he's playing with Kopitar. I doubt they see him as a winger long-term...but what else is the best way to learn the Captain's game other than to play with him, talk with him, make him guide you on ice? And what else is the best way to learn to play against the best out there - other than play against the best out there, with a player that's been doing it successfuly almost his entire career?

The way QB plays speaks volumes that he's very coachable and a responsible hockey player. Which is a key if we want to develop him into "next Kopitar".

The Kings are *good enough* to make the playoffs with QB on top line and learning to play against the best by not being a driver on the offense. By being a passenger. Yes, he's a passenger because he's focusing on learning from the ground up, not on being a flashy offensive player.


You may not like this approach, but I assure you he's not going to just forget his skills from the juniors and Ontario and he WILL get the freedom to show them off eventually.

 

[kingsatan]

so non doubters , you would say no to:

Q. Byfield, Brant Clarke,JAD, Akil Thomas, Matt Roy, Cal Peterson 2023 first

in exchange for

Elias Petterson(50%retained), Thatcher Demko, & Luke Schenn
???

 

[symbology]

Yeah I actually laughed out loud when he spilled - when he's not doing that he's softly passing it to the opposition. If he improves a lot, I think he might be 4th line material. I don't know anything about hockey tho.



I could be on the ice with Kopitar and Kempe and they'd probably do just fine. My opinion is meaningless on the subject however, but his play and the current facts outweigh any potential "what if's" based around his junior play/being a 2nd overall. I do wish him success and hope he improves.

Well, someone was playing with Kopi and Kempe for the first 38+/- games and it was not QB. You remember those games, Kopi and Kempe were not doing much. In the last 20+/- that QB has been playing with them they both have been playing much better. Almost matching the point totals in the 20 games with QB as the previous 38+/- I see QB as a much improved player this year that has been the "spark" on the first line. This is the first time that he has looked decent on the ice. This was his first step in the right direction. Give the kid some more time.

 

[hokiecat]

so non doubters , you would say no to:

Q. Byfield, Brant Clarke,JAD, Akil Thomas, Matt Roy, Cal Peterson 2023 first

in exchange for

Elias Petterson(50%retained), Thatcher Demko, & Luke Schenn
???

That is an insta-no.

 

[kingsatan]

That is an insta-no.

QB could be a bust Period or take till after Kopitar is gone to develop, Akil could never make the NHL(bi lateral shoulder surgery+other injures), JAD could be/is likely to be, as good as he'll ever get right now (as in already peaked),Matt Roy = peaked(dependable-ish middle pairing), Cal IS a bust that cost us too much$$$ already, and Brant Clarke could/is more likely to, turn out to be an other Joe Corvo PP specialist who scores but can't defend.

you'd rather keep all that nothing(as of now)(yet)(potential = nothing) than have a top 5 center in the NHL, a locally raised Quick replacement and Left handed Grit on defense for our push this post season?

I'd trade all that "MAYBE tommorw" for


Kupari Kopitar Kempe
Moore Danualt Vilardi
Fiala EP40 Arvidsson

 

[hokiecat]

QB could be a bust Period or take till after Kopitar is gone to develop, Akil could never make the NHL(bi lateral shoulder surgery+other injures), JAD could be/is likely to be, as good as he'll ever get right now (as in already peaked),Matt Roy = peaked(dependable-ish middle pairing), Cal IS a bust that cost us too much$$$ already, and Brant Clarke could/is more likely to, turn out to be an other Joe Corvo PP specialist who scores but can't defend.

you'd rather keep all that nothing(as of now)(yet)(potential = nothing) than have a top 5 center in the NHL, a locally raised Quick replacement and Left handed Grit on defense for our push this post season?

I'd trade all that "MAYBE tommorw" for


Kupari Kopitar Kempe
Moore Danualt Vilardi
Fiala EP40 Arvidsson

QB has top value still. He's got the raw tools but he hasn't put them together yet. He's still 20 and too young to be a bust. He's the cornerstone of a deal. Clarke is the same. Roy is a top-4. Akhil is a prospect. Lots of "just a prospect" get swapped these days. JAD is a NHL prospect. A first is a first. Cal is a salary dump.

EP is very very good. Demko is a salary dump the same as Cal and Luke Schenn has been in LA before.

That is a terrible deal and should get you fired immediately. It is like Tampa-Nashville 2.0.
Cal + JAD for Demko = even (Demko's numbers are just as bad as Cal and Quick and the contract is equal... he just has more pedigree so add JAD to be kind)
EP for QB and Clarke = overpay (EP had a bounceback year but 50% retained for 1.3 years doesn't matter and then we have to qualify him coming off of the current deal as a RFA)
Roy for Schenn = gross overpay (the Kings have 4 guys who play the top opposition and they should not trade any of them unless it is to improve the top 4. Schenn is not top 4).

plus the first and Thomas?!? That's a insta-no from me dog. No F way.

 

[LB49er]

I will post what I posted in the "Byfield draft analysis" thread since this is the main QB thread and I just hate the sudden impatience concerning QB. I honestly think it's unfair.



It's tough to gather confidence and a timely moment on ice during an NHL game where playoff pressure is on to show off your skill. It seems he's not that kind of flashy guy (like Durzi) who would take (big) risks to show off his skills. He's playing it safe and it's most likely as per the coach's instructions. Maybe it's partly also a confidence issue. There's literally no other explanation. He always had the skill. Why else would people compare him to effin' MALKIN?

People, stop being so pessimistic. He HAS been visibily improving since turning pro, he HAD quite a few bad breaks with injuries and he most likely plays more safely to develop the fundamentals as per the coach's instructions.

Seriously, watch this video of his 2nd Ontario season:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2j8OWi2XeQ

He has all the tools to be a dominant, franchise cornerstone type of a center. He just needs time and proper development. We all knew he's a project - why so impatient all of a sudden?

Remember- Kopitar came into the league and was immediately given the reigns to become the key offensive force, to do whatever it takes to make offense happen. No responsibility, no pressure of making playoffs. No two-way game.


You think Byfield was or should be given the same freedom?! Absolutely not. They intend to make him useful for playoffs, meaning a reliable and responsible physical presence that the Kings NEED, not a berserk forward looking at the goal only. It took Kopitar years to learn how to be a two-way player - but we don't have the luxury of time to give Byfield the chance to be a one dimensional player first, not if the intention is to do damage in the playoffs. The Kings (for a change) have enough offensively gifted forwards to take this approach with QB.

I think that's also the reason he's playing with Kopitar. I doubt they see him as a winger long-term...but what else is the best way to learn the Captain's game other than to play with him, talk with him, make him guide you on ice? And what else is the best way to learn to play against the best out there - other than play against the best out there, with a player that's been doing it successfuly almost his entire career?

The way QB plays speaks volumes that he's very coachable and a responsible hockey player. Which is a key if we want to develop him into "next Kopitar".

The Kings are *good enough* to make the playoffs with QB on top line and learning to play against the best by not being a driver on the offense. By being a passenger. Yes, he's a passenger because he's focusing on learning from the ground up, not on being a flashy offensive player.


You may not like this approach, but I assure you he's not going to just forget his skills from the juniors and Ontario and he WILL get the freedom to show them off eventually.

To be clear, I want Byfield to succeed. It’s been frustrating to watch him play, only because I really hoped he’d be an immediate impact player (which, I concede, is not fair to these young players).

I’m haven’t given up on him or Turcotte for that matter. It’s not just that he’s tentative out there, but he also makes weak plays or fumbles the puck under little pressure. He’s a tall kid, but it seems like he needs to develop some strength.

Malkin is exactly who he reminded me of during the draft, though I never saw him make the type of fancy play you saw from Malkin. So I saw him as Malkin-lite, which is totally fine with me. I don’t care about fancy plays, just that the Kings win. That said, the ability to make those fancy plays demonstrates natural skill. Whereas, for Byfield, it seemed to me like he was a big guy that was fast, with average skill. The NHL is a higher level with bigger and faster bodies, so his benefits would be neutralized (at least early in his career). This is why I thought he’d inject some grit into his game (eg, someone messes with Kopi or Kempe, he’s in there smashing them). A physical Byfield would be terrifying to other teams. Instead, he’s looks lien another Kempe out there, but without Kempe’s chip on his shoulder.

Yes, there’s plenty of time, we don’t need to dump him. But I do think the minors would probably be better in terms of allowing him to develop into an impact player, instead of a “solid” third or fourth liner.

 

[Bill Hicks]

I'm glad none of us are the GM.

 

[Bollocks]

To be clear, I want Byfield to succeed. It’s been frustrating to watch him play, only because I really hoped he’d be an immediate impact player (which, I concede, is not fair to these young players).

I’m haven’t given up on him or Turcotte for that matter. It’s not just that he’s tentative out there, but he also makes weak plays or fumbles the puck under little pressure. He’s a tall kid, but it seems like he needs to develop some strength.

Malkin is exactly who he reminded me of during the draft, though I never saw him make the type of fancy play you saw from Malkin. So I saw him as Malkin-lite, which is totally fine with me. I don’t care about fancy plays, just that the Kings win. That said, the ability to make those fancy plays demonstrates natural skill. Whereas, for Byfield, it seemed to me like he was a big guy that was fast, with average skill. The NHL is a higher level with bigger and faster bodies, so his benefits would be neutralized (at least early in his career). This is why I thought he’d inject some grit into his game (eg, someone messes with Kopi or Kempe, he’s in there smashing them). A physical Byfield would be terrifying to other teams. Instead, he’s looks lien another Kempe out there, but without Kempe’s chip on his shoulder.

Yes, there’s plenty of time, we don’t need to dump him. But I do think the minors would probably be better in terms of allowing him to develop into an impact player, instead of a “solid” third or fourth liner.

Well, considering his injury history in the previous 2 seasons I'm glad he's not excessively physical. Another more serious injury would put another BIG dent into his development curve. It's just not worth it as for now it's not the time to take such risks. Only if the Kings are going to have to fight really hard for a PO spot it's a bit more likely we see QB "unleashed" in this year's regular season.

 

[Pevsfreedom]

I'm glad none of us are the GM.

Mostly this.

 

[Bollocks]

So...Byfield with some nice skill plays today and a key board win. Too bad for that missed shot.

Just wait for him to gain more confidence. He'll be a f***** stud.

 

[Illegal_Stick]

Only saw the highlights due to blackout, but looked like he played at another level last night. For all of his supporters, not a surprise - he's been almost making those plays for a while, always off by a fraction. For his detractors it won't be enough and next game, you will be talking about how he only had one good game etc etc. It's a process, he's getting better you can see it most games in little ways, but it's frustrating when it's not going as fast as we'd like.