Breaking Down An NHL Insider’s Claim That Byfield Could Be Traded
@ Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesSportsnet’s Nick Kypreos speculates that the Kings could use Byfield as a trade chip to get over the playoff hump against Edmonton. Could there be any truth to this?
As the NHL’s March 7th trade deadline approaches, it becomes more and more difficult to separate baseless speculation with actual fact. Even with that, most people that follow or cover the Los Angeles Kings have a pretty solid grasp on which players are moveable and which ones are untouchable. The top name of most everyone’s list of untouchables is likely Quinton Byfield.
What would the reaction be if Byfield were suddenly labeled, “available”?
A two syllable word that rhymes with “Wool Spit” comes to mind.
Sportsnet Insider and former NHL player Nick Kypreos wrote this today about Byfield:
"Staying in the West, I hear the Kings are desperate to shake things up to give themselves the best shot of getting out of the first round of the playoffs and not suffer another defeat against Edmonton. Quinton Byfield isn't a name we've heard come up in trade rumours until this week, but suddenly he could be in play. Perhaps he is the player Los Angeles can move to change their look for an opening playoff round."
While Kypreos likely means well and could have very easily received a false scoop, this reads like an empty statement riddled with vague and open-ended declarations. Yes, it’s entirely possible Byfield “could be in play” the same way it’s entirely possible that Connor McDavid “could” request a trade to LA and LA only. Also, “Perhaps” Byfield is a player the Kings could move. They could also “perhaps” trade Adrian Kempe to the Rangers for Chris Kreider. Anything is possible. It’s just not very likely.
Trade Deadline season is exciting, no doubt. This, however, is a reminder that it can also be frustrating.
Stay vigilant, folks.