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

[rajuabju]

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.

I'll definitely do that, as admittedly, I've mostly only seen Reign highlights, and most of my observations are from his time up with the Kings. That said, if he's able to cut down on his mistakes and gain that confidence, which will lead to the consistency I think he lacked last season, I will be more than pleased.

 

[xLAxKingsx]

QB will be a 3rd liner... No way they giving OP for that.

 

[MiketheKing]

QB will be a 3rd liner... No way they giving OP for that.

I really hope he's growing into his frame and picks up where a 1st liner makes his mark. Anything less than a 2C is a giant disappointment.

 

[ChiKingFan]

Player B: Joe Thornton?

jom

Yup.

 

[SOBER]

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.

The same comparison can also be made with Radek Bonk, Chad Kilger and James Van Reimsdyk who were big forwards drafted in the top 5 that went on to average about .5 points per game. It's too early to say.

I would personally take take Kopitar over Thornton.