The value is there but the Kings don't accept. They would need a top-end centre coming back in return

2nding the other guy

Value there but it’s not happening

I know this wouldn’t make the most sense and would set the Kings back, but maybe draft someone like Demidov or Lindstrom ( who’s literally Byfield 2.0 )with that pick?

Demidov ( already NHL ready imo ) and Guhle ( Top 4 stud. Could have a Guhle-Clarke future duo ) for Byfield?

Kings would also save cap before Guhle signs.

Am I missing some Byfield news or something? Why is in so many mock trades all of a sudden?

Nothing happened between Byfield and LA.

He just would be an amazing fit w Montreal alongside Slafkovsky so that’s why there’s so many mock trades

The only thing is that Byfield fits LA's timeline perfectly. Between Dubios, Fiala, Kempe and Moore all still being effective with Clarke and Portfolio also entering their primes right when Byfield will be at his best as a player. Drafting a replacement this year would set that timeline back by 2-3 years.

EDIT: It's just far too big of a risk for LA imo

The theoretical value is definitely there but the Kings already know what they have in Byfield and, as @NucksnOilers says*, he fits the Los Angeles timeline perfectly. {* Hilarious auto-correct of "Portillo"!}

Fair value but LAK would probably be better off just signing Byfield to that

He’s gonna get more in L.A. Signed him to that here because no one makes more than Suzuki.

Why would Byfield care what Suzuki makes? Nick Suzuki getting that 3 years ago after a 40 point season shouldn't be the limit lmao

It would generally be the opposite, montreal would likely have to pay MORE, not less.

-He would have to move his life
-Less desirable location
-No loyalty to a team he hasn't played with before
-More leverage in negotiations once montreal trades for him.

It’s to set a cap structure. No one is making more the captain ( except if the player is worth it ) Hughes said it himself. Look at Caufield, he signed for 25K less than Suzuki. You can expect the same thing for Slafkovsky.

No **** Byfield doesn’t give a damnn about what Suzuki makes, but the front office does. And at the end of the day, it’s the front office that negotiates deals and contracts. They have the final word when a deal is done or not done.

The Limit should be your 23yr old captain, 1C and PPG player. And he signed that after putting up 41 in 56. After leading the Habs to the cup final. Byfield is on pace for 60, essential what Suzuki was when he signed his deal.

Caufield who has been here since 2019 took a little less than Suzuki. The front management has every right to do the same for Byfield.

Montreal can hold that limit if they want, but it means there is 0 chance you can get Byfield for 8 years, or any legit top tier free agent.

Caufield signed his contract as a winger with PISS poor defensive metrics and a career high of 46 points.

This is exactly why Hughes said it doesn’t apply for everyone.. You think we’re going to offer 7x7.85 to Draisaitl if he hits FA tomorrow?..

Why would we give a 21yr old Byfield on pace for 60 in his real first season more than our Captain and PPG player who lead us to the cup final at the same age.. Just tell me.

Caufield deal is fair value for a natural goal scorer like him. And his defensive game improved MASSIVELY. He had an devastating shoulder surgery, and he’s slowly picking up things. After what he showed us during the cup run and just after MSL got hired, signing him to that deal was a no brainer.

Byfield vs Suzuki at time of contract
-higher draft pedigree
-more upside
-better scoring production
-better offensive play driving
-bigger
-and the cap is higher now

Byfield gets more because he is better than Suzuki was then and the cap is higher