The Los Angeles Kings and Quinton Byfield are in agreement on a contract extension. After a strong year with the Kings, Byfield is locked in for the next five years and will have an AAV of $6.25 million per season. The 2020 second overall pick lands a new deal and appears to be a foundational piece going forward.
Byfield Signs Contract With Kings
Patience is a virtue when it comes to first round picks. Not every pick immediately turns out to be Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews. However, Byfield is a player that gotten significantly better with each passing season and popped off for a career season during the 2023-24 campaign.
Byfield made the switch from centre to wing and it paid dividends for the Kings overall. After having 22 points the season prior, Byfield went on to score 20 goals and 55 points. He was shooting the puck much more and his ice time took a significant jump. Playing next to captain Anze Kopitar has its perks and Byfield reaped the benefits. After a career year and finding his groove, the Kings inked him to a longer deal and have him as a core piece.
What this Means for the Kings
The Byfield contract extension is a huge move for the Kings. Despite parting ways with Jonathan Quick and seeing Dustin Brown retire, the Kings are in win now mode. With Kopitar and Drew Doughty still playing at a high enough level, the players built around them are enough to win and compete.
Byfield joins a talented group featuring Kevin Fiala, Adrian Kempe, and an underrated defensive group. The Kings could use an upgrade in the goal crease, but keeping Byfield in the fold is a huge boost offensively going into next year and to see him build off this career year.
Main Photo: Yannick Peterhans-USA TODAY Sports
