If you could trade Byfield for Owen Power, would you do it?

[triplcrown]

At this point, I'd make that trade, even though I like QB.

I just think we need a guy like OP more.
Heck, I'd even add Moverare to sweeten the deal.

Whereas I think QB will be a very good NHLer, I am not so sure he's superstar material at this point.

Not saying Buffalo would even make this trade, but if they would, I'm in.

Our D would be set.

 

[motalare]

https://youtu.be/gQDqRlMeJ4U?t=139

 

[moontheloon23]

Buffalo says no really fast. I think QB could still be great but most guys who end up being really elite have shown more in the two years after their draft.

 

[Statue4Deano]

At this point, I'd make that trade, even though I like QB.

I just think we need a guy like OP more.
Heck, I'd even add Moverare to sweeten the deal.

Whereas I think QB will be a very good NHLer, I am not so sure he's superstar material at this point.

Not saying Buffalo would even make this trade, but if they would, I'm in.

Our D would be set.

 

[Clif]

Buffalo says no really fast. I think QB could still be great but most guys who end up being really elite have shown more in the two years after their draft.

I love these takes. What with the Covid bubble year 1 and the serious injury in year 2. What the hell is wrong with this kid? And does he even know how to cook a steak yet or is he still calling his mom?

 

[moontheloon23]

I love these takes. What with the Covid bubble year 1 and the serious injury in year 2. What the hell is wrong with this kid? And does he even know how to cook a steak yet or is he still calling his mom?

You?re right he?s had a couple bad breaks, but even things that aren?t you?re fault can knock you off a star trajectory.

Guys who score like he has only turn into stars 28% of the time.

 

[DryKing]

You’re right he’s had a couple bad breaks, but even things that aren’t you’re fault can knock you off a star trajectory.

Guys who score like he has only turn into stars 28% of the time.

True but we knew he was more of a project, despite his draft position, when we took him. Also, as others have called out, those stats are based on typical seasons which the covid era was anything but.

Personally I'm not at all worried about Byfield and think he will do just fine once he has a full season under his belt. Look how much Durzi grew in a year, or even Kupari with more NHL games. Not to mention Spence, Fagemo and Grans at the AHL level last season. By the end of the season they all looked like completely different players.

 

[moontheloon23]

True but we knew he was more of a project, despite his draft position, when we took him. Also, as others have called out, those stats are based on typical seasons which the covid era was anything but.

Personally I'm not at all worried about Byfield and think he will do just fine once he has a full season under his belt. Look how much Durzi grew in a year, or even Kupari with more NHL games. Not to mention Spence, Fagemo and Grans at the AHL level last season. By the end of the season they all looked like completely different players.

Agreed. Also looking forward to seeing Byfield with some real NHL wingers.

 

[Pickle_Pucks]

Agreed. Also looking forward to seeing Byfield with some real NHL wingers.

This is going to be key. The "kid" line last year was fun and looked good at times but QB needs some serious wingers. I don't know if AK + AI is enough. I think there is a still a potential deal out there for another winger to specifically play with QB, he needs it.

And NO WAY Buffalo is trading Power for QB. Dahlin? Maybe...and I would do that deal as well, in a heartbeat.

 

[kingrussell]

No

 

[SOBER]

Byfield has potential to be a poor man’s Brown but so far I don’t see any signs of him having a higher ceiling.


Usually, you can tell if a player is going to be a superstar very early (like Kopitar) but I guess anything is possible.

 

[Statue4Deano]

Byfield has potential to be a poor man?s Brown but so far I don?t see any signs of him having a higher ceiling.


Usually, you can tell if a player is going to be a superstar very early (like Kopitar) but I guess anything is possible.

Usually? Would love to see some evidence to back up that claim. Kopitar was a bit of unicorn in that he came into the league as a willing and almost dependable NHL Center. That's extremely rare at age 19. Add in the fact that he was drafted at 11 overall and again there's nothing usual about Kopitar's ascension. Regardless, Byfield was drafted as a project.

He was never expected to a be an impact player at the NHL level this early. If you watch him play you see lots of signs of immaturity, starting with his physique. He still has the physical makeup of a teenager but it's easy to project the size advantage he'll have once he starts to develop his adult strength. Secondly he lacks confidence in his decision making. That is to be expected of a 19 year old rookie. However when he flashes his tools it makes perfect sense why the Kings took him #2 overall. This goal in particular is an example of his barely developed tools.



He showcases high offensive awareness and IQ by finding a soft spot in the Oilers defense. He uses his massive reach and large frame to grab possession of a loose puck, shield it from one of the games elite players in Draisaitl, creating space with a stick handle, then moving himself into the slot all in a single motion finally ripping it past the goalie. That is a goal scorers goal and you don't see many other players on the team that can make that play in that situation. It's a bit of a subtle series of plays but it's also glaringly obvious that we're just scratching the surface of what this young man can do at this level.

 

[JJ289]

Byfield was set back a bit with the broken ankle. Looking forward to seeing him catch up. He'll be fine. Plus, Buffalo is not trading Power. Byfield has size, skill, and is a pretty nimble skater, especially for his size. I'd rather use other forward assets for trades such as Turcotte. The organizational depth is a good problem to have. A little thin at goalie and left shot D. But, Blake has the assets to address that.

I was hoping the Athanasiou would work out. He just couldn't stay healthy. Loved his speed and skill, drew lots of penalties. If he were healthier maybe he gets re-signed for far less $$$$ than Fiala, then Blake could have made other trades. But, I'm good with the Fiala trade. Still have Clarke and Grans in the pipeline. Just need more size/ physicality on the blue line.

 

[rajuabju]

First, no way we can do a 1-1 trade of QB with OP. QB hasnt shown the consistency needed to validate his #2 draft position. That said, he's still very young, and he has time to develop and mature. My biggest concern with him is not his skillset, which I think is elite. Its his decision making, and whether he can vastly improve that aspect of his game. If he can put the toolbox together with his tools, then he can turn into a top10 center in this league. And if not, he'll likely be a borderline NHLer. Classic story we see play out all the time. Some players can address the deficiencies in their game, and some cant.

 

[Statue4Deano]

First, no way we can do a 1-1 trade of QB with OP. QB hasnt shown the consistency needed to validate his #2 draft position. That said, he's still very young, and he has time to develop and mature. My biggest concern with him is not his skillset, which I think is elite. Its his decision making, and whether he can vastly improve that aspect of his game. If he can put the toolbox together with his tools, then he can turn into a top10 center in this league. And if not, he'll likely be a borderline NHLer. Classic story we see play out all the time. Some players can address the deficiencies in their game, and some cant.

I suggest you watch his game tape from his time on the Reign. As an 18/19 year old in a pro league where the play isn't as fast as the NHL his decision making is more than adequate across all 200 feet of the rink. In the offensive zone and in transition his reads are impeccable. He understands the flow of the game and targets holes in the offense because he thinks the game at a high level. The mistakes he makes at the NHL level are part of the process and not at all indicative of where he'll end up as a finished product.

Byfield's game is an attacking, transition forward. He's going to make a fantastic Center next to a guy like Kevin Fiala in a couple seasons. His size and skating ability alone will give him 12+ seasons in the NHL even if he makes minor improvements along the way. That's how special a prospect/player he is. I'm looking for him to come into camp stronger, more confident and start to make his mark in the league this training camp.

 

[ChiKingFan]

Byfield through his first 46 games, 5 goals, 6 assists. (ages 18 and 19 seasons - covid season plus a broken ankle)
Player B though his first 46 game, 3 goals, 4 assists. (age 18 season, no covid or injuries).

Byfield - 6'5", 220, 2nd overall pick.
Player B - 6'4", 220, 1st overall pick.

Byfield - Uncertain future.
Player B - 24 seasons, 430 goals, 1109 assists, sure thing hall of famer.

I'm not punching Byfield's ticket for the hall of fame just yet, or handing him a Hart or Ross trophy (Player B has one of each) but guys with his size at his age sometime take a few seasons to put everything together. It took Player B six years to become a point per game player, then he got traded. His original team did not win the trade.

 

[santiclaws]

Where Byfield has really impressed me is with his board play, an area of the game where young NHL players typically struggle. Byfield comes away with the puck more often than not, usually using his guile and tenacity more than his size (although his size helps, and will help a lot more in the future as he gets stronger). I think that success bodes well for other areas of his game. He was always projected as a kid who would take some time to come into his own, as is typical for bigger players. He has all the tools to be a very successful NHL player, he seems eager to learn, and he's got a good motor and work ethic. When he puts it all together, he's going to be an absolute nightmare for opposing teams in the not-too-distant future.

 

[jom]

Byfield through his first 46 games, 5 goals, 6 assists. (ages 18 and 19 seasons - covid season plus a broken ankle)
Player B though his first 46 game, 3 goals, 4 assists. (age 18 season, no covid or injuries).

Byfield - 6'5", 220, 2nd overall pick.
Player B - 6'4", 220, 1st overall pick.

Byfield - Uncertain future.
Player B - 24 seasons, 430 goals, 1109 assists, sure thing hall of famer.

I'm not punching Byfield's ticket for the hall of fame just yet, or handing him a Hart or Ross trophy (Player B has one of each) but guys with his size at his age sometime take a few seasons to put everything together. It took Player B six years to become a point per game player, then he got traded. His original team did not win the trade.

Player B: Joe Thornton?

jom

 

[Clif]

You?re right he?s had a couple bad breaks, but even things that aren?t you?re fault can knock you off a star trajectory.

Guys who score like he has only turn into stars 28% of the time.

Not inaccurate. But I don?t agree that comparing him to other players is relevant yet. Name one other player who broke in during the covid bubble and then lost half a season to injury.

Personally I don?t see a season resembling something star-like until 23-24 at the earliest. This next season I believe all we can hope for is for him to center an actual third line, which this team hasn?t had in a while. Develop his physical and defensive game and put in 10-12 minutes every night so Kopi can actually shed a couple minutes at last.

30 points would be great. Especially if most of them are assists on Kaliyev?s first 20 goal season.

 

[DryKing]

Not inaccurate. But I don’t agree that comparing him to other players is relevant yet. Name one other player who broke in during the covid bubble and then lost half a season to injury.

Personally I don’t see a season resembling something star-like until 23-24 at the earliest. This next season I believe all we can hope for is for him to center an actual third line, which this team hasn’t had in a while. Develop his physical and defensive game and put in 10-12 minutes every night so Kopi can actually shed a couple minutes at last.

30 points would be great. Especially if most of them are assists on Kaliyev’s first 20 goal season.

30 points next seasons seems reasonable. If we compare Byfield to Lafreniere, who appears ready for a breakout season in 2022-23, Byfield is likely 2 years behind due to injury, limited games and being a bit behind at the time of the draft in regards to development. That would put him on the path to have a solid season in 2024-25 which I think is the best we can realistically hope for (along with solid progression the next two seasons).

I think the extent of Byfield developing his physical game is the ability of being able to absorb hits while maintaining puck control, rather than delivering them. He's likely not going to be an Eric Lindros (which may be a good thing in regards to longevity).