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

[Helvetica]

Probably the most important quote of the article though:

and i think that's to be expected. He's a kid, with really high expectations and sometimes they just take time to get adjusted. I think he's getting adjusted now. We should (fingers crossed) start to see him flourish over the next couple seasons.

I dont think he's ever going to be a sniper, but i do think he will develop enough of a shooting touch that he will be considered a threat. I still go back to his shootout goal against the rangers last season where he came in at an angle across the crease, gave a slight delay, and went cross body, over the shoulder, just as the goalie bit and went down. It's an incredibly skilled play even if it doesn't look overly fancy. The scoring will come.

 

[kkimo]

His upside, he's deceptively fast, when he finally does make a decision. Having watched him at Ontario, his skills and confidence are slowly catching up to his speed. While he's getting better, I think those skills and confidence would be better built on the Reign. He's simply not ready for the deep end into which he's been thrown.

He holds the puck too long, waiting to make a decision, and is usually looking for the pass rather than the shot. He hesitates too often, not sure of the optimal action. You can't tell if his instincts are good or not, because he doesn't act on instinct, but over thinks his actions. He is not sure footed, and by this point in his career, especially with his speed/acceleration he should be. He often out skates his skill, getting to a spot before he's decided what to do, and sometimes failing to bring the puck along with him.

Many of his problems are easily surmountable with added confidence. The big question marks are whether his skills will catch up to his speed and are his instincts good or not.

 

[Statue4Deano]

His upside, he's deceptively fast, when he finally does make a decision. Having watched him at Ontario, his skills and confidence are slowly catching up to his speed. While he's getting better, I think those skills and confidence would be better built on the Reign. He's simply not ready for the deep end into which he's been thrown.

He holds the puck too long, waiting to make a decision, and is usually looking for the pass rather than the shot. He hesitates too often, not sure of the optimal action. You can't tell if his instincts are good or not, because he doesn't act on instinct, but over thinks his actions. He is not sure footed, and by this point in his career, especially with his speed/acceleration he should be. He often out skates his skill, getting to a spot before he's decided what to do, and sometimes failing to bring the puck along with him.

Many of his problems are easily surmountable with added confidence. The big question marks are whether his skills will catch up to his speed and are his instincts good or not.

Byfield leads the team in assists over the past month (14 games). He's tied for 6th in the entire NHL for even strength assists over that same period. He fits just fine on the Kings #1 line.

 

[DryKing]

Byfield leads the team in assists over the past month (14 games). He's tied for 6th in the entire NHL for even strength assists over that same period. He fits just fine on the Kings #1 line.

Totally agree. Anyone saying Byfield does not belong on the 1st line, at this point, simply hasn't been paying attention. The below article is a little dated (3/12) but gets the point across well - and the 1st line has just gotten better from the time in which it was written:

https://www.lahockeynow.com/2023/03/12/los-angeles-kings-first-line-new-heights-quinton-byfield

"With Byfield, the first line has started just 42.18% of shifts in the offensive zone, compared to 50.33% without Byfield.

This line is taking on defensive faceoffs and still producing at a fantastic rate.

Their 72.4% goals for percentage, according to MoneyPuck.com, ranks them sixth in the league.

They're a top-10 line for production league-wide while starting most shifts 200 feet from the opposition's net.

They're a perfect combination of skills for one another.

What first sticks out is the size. Kempe is the "smallest" player on the line at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds."

 

[Helvetica]

He's simply not ready for the deep end into which he's been thrown.

That's a pretty hot take...

In no way would i say he's not ready for it. I would say that he clearly has areas of improvement, but his play against top competition on the top line has been quite good. Coach has increased his challenge level, while simultaneously narrowing his responsibilities, and it's worked out pretty well. He can focus on his strengths, simplify his game, all while facing top tier competition. And he's done that, while clearly contributing and improving his line. This is what development looks like...

 

[soyokaze]

I can see where the Joe Thornton comparison gets thrown out about Byfield. Byfield has been an absolute beast on the forecheck and is learning how to use his large frame to shield the puck. He's actually developing and adapting fast ever since he was put on the top line. He's made some really nifty passes threading the seams, so the skill definitely is there. Give him some time to work on his shot. That can be developed.

If anything, he should be going to Adam Oates' skills development camps. He's really helped guys that were on their last legs in the league (Luke Schenn, Sam Gagner) and has worked with some top end scorers (Scheifele, Stamkos, McDavid, Eichel) in finding little nuances in their game to improve.

 

[roenick]

Totally agree. Anyone saying Byfield does not belong on the 1st line, at this point, simply hasn't been paying attention. The below article is a little dated (3/12) but gets the point across well - and the 1st line has just gotten better from the time in which it was written:

https://www.lahockeynow.com/2023/03/12/los-angeles-kings-first-line-new-heights-quinton-byfield

"With Byfield, the first line has started just 42.18% of shifts in the offensive zone, compared to 50.33% without Byfield.

This line is taking on defensive faceoffs and still producing at a fantastic rate.

Their 72.4% goals for percentage, according to MoneyPuck.com, ranks them sixth in the league.

They're a top-10 line for production league-wide while starting most shifts 200 feet from the opposition's net.

They're a perfect combination of skills for one another.

What first sticks out is the size. Kempe is the "smallest" player on the line at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds."

Along with Statue4Deano these posts are spot on. Holds the puck too long? Did you see the touch pass to Kopitar in the slot deep along the RW boards in the offensive end recently? The kid has now shown he has exceptional vision to go along with good hands and feet. His size allows his speed to be extremely deceptive and he gets in, hard, on the forecheck and leaves back pedaling defenders little time to decision make. He has excelled greatly at this the last few weeks as has been noted by others. I have said it before but will again - kudos to TMac for recognizing what the kid needed in his development - playing with two seasoned, dangerous professional offensive hockey players. QB isn't where he needs to be to be fully developed yet but he is well on his way. His hands just have to catch up with his feet. Additionally he is now using his size to create turnovers in the neutral and offensive ends and he is getting under the skin of his opponents - Zhadorov is a prime example. He just has to be ready for the retaliations that will come with the increased physical play.

He is what we all thought on draft day - a high end project player with a sky's the limit ceiling. Whereas Stutzle was a floor level guy. What has mucked things up is that Timmy has hit his floor very, very fast and injury and illness has slowed QB. I, for one, am really glad the Kings rolled the dice on a player that could be a home run. That's what you do with a higher pick then the one OTT used. You roll the dice and see if you can develop him. So far the Kings have been doing the right things but it has to continue. The advanced metrics alone tell you he has been a success so far. It will be interesting if he is used in the same capacity during the playoffs where he flamed out last season. I almost have to say you use him in the same role, win or lose, or you will damage his confidence.

 

[kkimo]

Byfield leads the team in assists over the past month (14 games). He's tied for 6th in the entire NHL for even strength assists over that same period. He fits just fine on the Kings #1 line.

I stand corrected, stats don't lie. My opinion formed watching him play, and still seeing the things I saw in Ontario. I didn't realize how well that line has been performing together.

I still believe he over thinks things, but it doesn't seem to be hurting him, the 1st line, or the team. Also, wherever he is now, he still has more potential. And the Kings have proven to be good at bringing out potential.

 

[hokiecat]

No points in 8 games. Stuck on 3 goals.

Still looks like an effective F1 but you don't burn the #2 overall for a guy who is a great forechecker and plays responsible defense. Thornton had 16 and 23 goals in his 19 and 20 year old seasons.

 

[DryKing]

I would not compare him to Kopitar, Kopitar had 3 goals in his first week in the NHL as a 19 year old, Byfield has 3 goals in his entire first season. Kopitar was playoff MVP, team Captain, etc…, Byfield is a good you g player but to compare him to Kopitar, why not just compare him to McDavid.

The hope is that he can be a poor man’s Jason Allison one day, or maybe the Kings can move him in a package for a 22 year old 100 point player having contract issues before his values declines.

If you want to compare him to Jason Allison, let's due so. Jason got it going on his 5th season with the league, and then never looked back. He was 22 at the time. Byfield, is 20... Allison was also no where near the skater Quinton is already, nor is Kopitar to be honest. At this point referring to Quinton as a "poor man's" anything is silly. What he is is projected to one day be the Kings top line center, but his game isn't going to fully emulate Kopitar's or Allison's.

 

[hokiecat]

If you want to compare him to Jason Allison, let's due so. Jason got it going on his 5th season with the league, and then never looked back. He was 22 at the time. Byfield, is 20... Allison was also no where near the skater Quinton is already, nor is Kopitar to be honest. At this point referring to Quinton as a "poor man's" anything is silly. What he is is projected to one day be the Kings top line center, but his game isn't going to fully emulate Kopitar's or Allison's.

You know that not all projections come true right? I've seen a guy who is effective a F1 on the forecheck and that's about it. His shot is not good. His passing is probably below average to average at best; and before someone comes at me for his touch pass to Kopitar, I'm talking about all the passes regularly behind Kempe and Kopi and his blind passes to nowhere. Byfield needs to spend the entire summer in the gym getting stronger and more balanced on his skates.

It sounds like Todd will be moving someone else up to the top line.

 

[Pevsfreedom]

If you want to compare him to Jason Allison, let's due so. Jason got it going on his 5th season with the league, and then never looked back. He was 22 at the time. Byfield, is 20... Allison was also no where near the skater Quinton is already, nor is Kopitar to be honest. At this point referring to Quinton as a "poor man's" anything is silly. What he is is projected to one day be the Kings top line center, but his game isn't going to fully emulate Kopitar's or Allison's.

I am not sure where anyone is seeing QB as a good skater. The guy falls down nearly every time he does anything.

 

[DryKing]

You know that not all projections come true right? I've seen a guy who is effective a F1 on the forecheck and that's about it. His shot is not good. His passing is probably below average to average at best; and before someone comes at me for his touch pass to Kopitar, I'm talking about all the passes regularly behind Kempe and Kopi and his blind passes to nowhere. Byfield needs to spend the entire summer in the gym getting stronger and more balanced on his skates.

It sounds like Todd will be moving someone else up to the top line.

So what you are saying is, we don't know what the future holds for Byfield until we see it unfold first hand. I agree that this is true for both projections and people claiming he is a bust or bottom 6 forward at best. When I look at his passing, his passing is far above average, his shot, however, I agree with you isn't yet that impressive and has a long way to go before becoming effective at the NHL level. I also agree with you that he needs to work on his balance in the offseason, and added muscle could help him with that (though also likely slow his speed).

You know that not all projections come true right? I've seen a guy who is effective a F1 on the forecheck and that's about it. His shot is not good. His passing is probably below average to average at best; and before someone comes at me for his touch pass to Kopitar, I'm talking about all the passes regularly behind Kempe and Kopi and his blind passes to nowhere. Byfield needs to spend the entire summer in the gym getting stronger and more balanced on his skates.

It sounds like Todd will be moving someone else up to the top line.

He needs to work on his balance, I agree, but he is a fast skater which Allison was not. He also, though not as fast as Kempe, can keep up with Kempe relatively well on a breakout play which Kopitar cannot. It's not to say he will be a better player than either Allison or Kopitar (very hard to believe he matches Kopitar's career) but he has the skills to excel in the new, faster, NHL. We need to give him time to develop, however.

https://thehockeywriters.com/la-kings-prospect-profiles-quinton-byfield/

"Byfield is elite in nearly every area of the game; he has incredible power and speed when it comes to his skating, as well as great stickhandling and passing skills. He also possesses a stellar hockey IQ, which makes him a dangerous player when combined with his other assets."

 

[Illegal_Stick]

I am not sure where anyone is seeing QB as a good skater. The guy falls down nearly every time he does anything.

I think it’s the Bambi effect. Typical of a player his size who has grown quickly and not fully adapted to that size yet. That guy can skate… even though I see what you’re saying. He lacks coordination as many at his stage of development do. Whatever we think of him he will at the very least be a great skater in a year or two.

Now that tiny stick…. THAT is a problem.

 

[triplcrown]

Maybe we could learn something from another NHL team ----

Buffalo Sabres were foolish.

They should have traded Tage Thompson while they still had the chance.

Now, they are stuck with him.

Will Kings make the same mistake?



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