Not sure how this makes sense with CBJ adding a top C in the draft this year. Byfield hasn’t developed as fast as expected and is not an immediate 1C answer. He’d be on the same growth curve as the 3OA pick this year, so it just seems redundant.

Doesn't make sense for the Kings to do.

wobbly center core

I’d used that first to go after an already established 1C / 2C. Byfield is really shakey

the only guys out there who fit that bill are either going to be under contract well into their late 30s (hertl), pure rentals (backlund), both (lindholm with or without an extension) or flawed/expensive mid-term (kuznetsov, hayes).



whoever they draft (assuming carlsson/smith) won't be NHL ready right away. byfield would be a year ahead of them, and already has pro experience. don't think he'd be redundant at all.

the appeal of adding him would boil down to wanting a long-term 1-2 punch with their 2023 pick and byfield as their top two centers. that'd also make sillinger a potential plus as the #3 and voronkov as the #4 – with all four of those guys being either on ELCs or RFA deals, instead of UFA deals taking them into their late 30s (i.e. moving significant pieces for lindholm and then extending him).

The Kings are looking to compete now, and are hoping for this season to be Byfield's breakout year. A 2024 1st round pick outside the top 3 isn't going to be a contributing piece in the NHL until 2026-27 at the earliest. Not sure why the Kings would do this.

It would take an astronomical amount beyond just a 1st round pick for Byfield. Him and Brandt Clarke are essentially untouchable as far as the organization is concerned. His development has “ slowed “ only because of 2 separate major injuries in his 2 first full seasons in the league. Additionally, he will only be 21 when next season starts and he’s already 6’5 and 220 lbs and hasn’t even hit his full strength yet. Most GMs would love a player like him and give him a year or two and the probability is high he’ll become a great young player in the league worth more than just a 1st round pick

Byfield is a tall center, it takes those guys time to adjust, he might not break out until 24 like Tage Thompson, and that's too be expected from what I heard. Another example is Brian Boyle who never turned out but didn't really become a full-time NHLer until 25 and was decent at 26 and on.