With a brand new contract in hand, Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield is looking forward heading into the 2024-25 NHL season. Although there are still questions, he is looking to have an increased role as Los Angeles heads into season geared toward winning another Stanley Cup.
Kings, Byfield set big goals for the new season
Byfield was the second overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft and struggled his first season with injuries that required him to be sent to the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League (AHL). The more he played, the more comfortable, and the better he played offensively. With better offensive production, came a promotion to the Kings roster and a permanent spot in the lineup.
After struggling in his first season to produce offense, Byfield had an explosion of offense last season, setting career-highs across the board. During the 2023-24 season, he scored 20 goals and 35 assists for 55 points and was a +19. His 37 points at five-on-five made him an impact player as one of the key pieces on the ice. His production led the Kings to reward him with a 5-year, $31.25 million contract extension, including a $10 million signing bonus and $31.25 million guaranteed. In 2024-25, he will earn a base salary of $775,000 and a signing bonus of $5,500,000, while carrying a cap hit of $6,25,000.
A well-deserved contract for one of the cornerstones of the franchise and a player who is out to lead this team into the future. One question arises as the trade of center Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Washington Capitals gives Byfield a center spot, a position he is familiar with. Will he play second or third-line center? Will he have more success offensively, or will the move to center deflate his numbers? With a projected line of Byfield, Kevin Fiala, and newcomer Warren Foegele, there is potential for them to become a successful line.
What happens to his mindset if he plays on the third line after spending most of last season on the top line with Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe? Will he consider that a demotion? Would he rather play the second line or a wing position? Regardless of what line he centers on, he has the skill set to put up incredibly offensive numbers with whomever he plays with as he is that talented. This is an opportunity for Byfield to show the team that he is capable of delivering in an important role. He is young, but he has all of the tools and resources to be successful. With a forward group that can rally around him , Byfield can take his development to another level this season and show that he is ready for the spotlight.
(photo: lakingsinsider.com: Zach Dooley) (photo: lakingsinsider.com; Zach Dooley)
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