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Quinton Byfield’s ascension has been game-changing for the Kings

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Hunter Crowther | Last updated 2/21/24

It’s been quite a journey for Quinton Byfield.

After being taken No. 2 overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft by the Los Angeles Kings, some worried about how the native of Newmarket, Ont. was developing. Sent up and down between the Kings and their AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, his first three professional seasons felt like he was stuck in development hell.

But through the 2023-24 season, spent entirely with the big club, the 21-year-old Byfield has taken the next step in his journey as a pro hockey player. With 18 goals and 24 assists for 42 points in 52 games, fourth on the Kings in scoring, Byfield has given the hockey world a glimpse of just how talented he is.

That talent was on full display Tuesday when the Kings’ forward scored what could be the goal of the year.

QUINTON BYFIELD, OH MY. WHAT A GOAL. pic.twitter.com/5RCquDDksT

— NHL (@NHL) February 21, 2024

On Wednesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discuss Byfield’s gorgeous goal and how important this breakout season has been for both him and the Kings.

Tyler Yaremchuk: This is just absolutely breathtaking. The control, to lose the puck twice and still be poised enough to corral it and flip it with the backhand. Frank, this is the goal of the year.

Frank Seravalli: I think this one will be tough to top. At full speed, with his size, going around Zach Werenski, losing the puck, hopping in as a big guy with space then go backhand and get it over the pad. It’s elite.

I really just wanted to give Byfield and his entire season some love. I thought heading into this season, for lack of a better term, it was s–t or get off the pot. You’re either going to be a marquee player and be a breakout star, or you’re going to be a big guy who didn’t quite make it. When you look at last season, he took a step back production-wise.

But he skates so well for someone his size and to see what he’s put together this season, he’s not only put himself on the map, but he’s changed the perception of both him and the dynamic of the Kings.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…