The secret to the Los Angeles Kings’ Success this season is forward Quinton Byfield. Byfield scored two goals and six points in October and currently ranks third among U22 scorers. The Canadian standout measures at all of 6-5 and has a unique playing style within his game.
A key attribute Byfield is known for is his ability to weave and maneuver quickly through defenders. When he has the puck, he is very smooth and in control, unlike many other players his size. Byfield handles the puck with confidence and skill, making him a key threat offensively.
Rookie forward Adrian Kempe commented on what stands out about the gameplay of Byfield to Yahoo Sports.
“He’s done a really good job on the forecheck and winning lots of battles,” Kempe explained. “That’s the way he’s got to play to become successful.”
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Prior to transitioning to the National Hockey League (NHL), Byfield spent two seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Byfield played for the Sudbury Wolves where he made a name for himself on the ice. He was the first pick in the 2018 OHL Draft and won Rookie of the Year for both the OHL and Canadian Hockey League (CHL). During the 2018–19 season, Byfield scored 29 goals and earned 61 points in 64 games.
After two years in Ontario, Byfield was picked second overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft and started playing in the NHL with the team in 2021. Byfield signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Kings on October 16, 2020. At the start of the 2020-21 season, he was assigned to play in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Kings’ minor league team.
While on the road to success, Byfield ran into obstacles. He injured his ankle during the preseason in the AHL in 2021 and caught an illness that caused him to lose a significant amount of weight in the 2022-23 season. The biggest change Byfield went through was changing positions from center to wing which actually was a blessing in disguise. Since switching to playing on the wing, Byfield has used his strengths to help his talented teammates including captain forward Anze Kopitar.
Kopitar spoke highly about Byfield to Yahoo Sports stating “He’s pretty much good at everything.”
The gameplay of Byfield is trending upward and he is improving day in and day out. At this pace, his career is only going to get better. He has a bright future ahead of him being a young player in the league.
