Expectations were sky-high for Quinton Byfield entering the year. Coming off a fresh five-year, $31.25 million contract and a stellar preseason—including a hat trick in Quebec City against the Bruins—he seemed poised for a breakout. Yet, his regular season has been more measured, with 2 goals and 7 assists over 19 games. For comparison, Byfield posted 4 goals and 12 assists by this point last season.
The season has also been a period of adjustment. Byfield has bounced between center and wing and shifted roles on the power play, which has presented challenges as he works to find consistency.
Fox’s Perspective
Jim Fox broke down the situation on the Locked on LA King podcast:
-“He's looking for the home run. And I think there are times. It's so easy and I find it in my set because as a player, I know, okay, it's so easy to second guess, but what I'd like to see on a more consistent basis is this… When he chases down a loose puck and he has entry into the offensive zone, just take it wide with speed sometime. Don't stop and button hook and wait for the guy cover. There are times for that.
That's my concern, so can he come out of that? The thing I'm not concerned with is his work ethic. I watch him every single day in practice. He is working on so many different elements of his game. Continuously, the effort is there at that puck. When you get to the game, the energy, he's there, he's on pucks. I think he's just a little bit in between right now on what he believes he needs to do to be effective and help the team. I think I just documented it. It is a concern.”
The Numbers Behind the Struggles
Byfield’s underlying stats offer some insight. His expected goals per 60 minutes have dipped from 1.23 last season to 0.66, while his expected points per 60 have dropped from 2.5 to 1.66. His shooting percentage has also fallen sharply to 5.3% from 12.4% last year.
Despite these struggles, Byfield has created 18 high-danger chances, showing he’s still finding opportunities. The key may lie in converting those chances more effectively.
Finding Stability
A significant factor has been Byfield’s evolving role. Last season, he excelled on a line with Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe. This year, the Kings are focused on developing him as a center, placing him with Warren Foegele and Alex Laferriere. While the line has shown flashes, it has yet to produce consistent results.
Looking Ahead
The good news for the Kings and Quinton Byfield is that he has shown adaptability in his young career. As early as last season, he was considered to be a “fixer” for any line, thriving with several wingers and centers when called upon. Jim Fox highlighted his work ethic for a reason. If the work is being put in, the talent will almost assuredly flourish.
It’s not time to press the panic button on Byfield, but he has to make the necessary adjustments to resemble the impactful player he was last season.