Quinton Byfield has had two consecutive seasons that have been underwhelming by his standards. This upcoming season is the final shot Byfield has to showcase that he can be a star player.
With the 2nd pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, Byfield was selected by the Los Angeles Kings. The vision was for Byfield to be the future cornerstone for the Kings.
Throughout the first three seasons, Byfield was developed from both the Kings and Ontario Reign. Then, in his first full season, Byfield blossomed into the player Los Angeles had anticipated.
In 2024, Byfield became a key contributor on the second line and showed improvement as a player overall. Byfield recorded 55 points that season, which was a large jump from the 22 points he recorded in 2023.
After a breakout season in 2024, it was expected for Byfield to make another jump in 2025. However, Byfield did not take another leap as his production remained about the same with 54 points.
Similar to 2025, Byfield didn’t make the jump that was expected in 2026. In fact, he was slightly worse with 49 points. For two straight seasons, Byfield has remained a solid but not elite second-line center.
Patience is wearing thin for Byfield to live up to the expectations that were given to the 2nd overall pick. Now it’s up to newly hired head coach, Peter Laviolette, to develop Byfield into an elite player.
Coach Laviolette brings in a fast tempo and forecheck-heavy system that emphasizes attacking in the ozone. This style requires speed and positioning on offense, which should enhance the possessions for Byfield.
One area that Byfield has done well the past few years is generating more possessions on offense. Last season, Byfield recorded a 360 ICF, which was the highest he's obtained in his career.
Mix in Byfield’s ability to create shots with a coach that implements puck possession, and it’s an ideal fit. Along with the strengths Byfield has, Laviolette can unlock the physicality that has yet to be seen.
Byfield may not be a physical player, he definitely has the tools to become a physical presence. His 6’5 230 pound frame would be a dream for a coach that implements forechecking.
As much of a good fit Coach Laviolette seems on paper, it may not directly translate into results. Byfield has shown that a coaching change will not directly improve his play.
When Jim Hiller was signed as the long-term head coach for the Kings in 2025, it didn't alter Byfield's play. Likewise in 2024, Byfield was able to improve despite having the same coach in Todd McLellan.
Regardless of the coach, the Kings will have tried three coaches that had a shot at making Byfield a first-line center. If a rehabbed coaching staff doesn’t work this time, then it may be time for Los Angeles to give up.
This season is make or break for Byfield and if he doesn’t perform to the Kings' expectations. Byfield could either improve into a star player in Los Angeles or he could remain stagnant. Either way, this season will show the Kings if Byfield is worth keeping in the future.
