LA Kings Draft: Organization reportedly set on second overall pick

According to a report, the LA Kings may have locked in their pick for the second overall selection.

With the 2020 NHL Draft being just two days away, the LA King will soon find themselves on the clock with the second overall pick. The Rangers, of course, are expected to choose Alexis Lafreniere, but it has been constant speculation what the Kings will do. Back and forth between Quinton Byfield and Tim Stutzle, it appears that a member of the LA media might have the inside scoop.

According to John Hoven of Mayor’s Manor, the Kings are going with Sudbury Wolves center Quinton Byfield.

“And while many have tried to suggest otherwise, it’s time to put all the talk to bed. Although German forward Tim Stutzle is supremely talented, we believe come Tuesday night it will be — With the second selection in this year’s NHL Entry Draft, Los Angeles is proud to select Quinton Byfield.”

This latest report refutes the previous news in Corey Pronman’s mock draft that the Kings were at a 65-to-35 split, leaning towards the German winger in Stutzle.

I had the opportunity to speak to Dylan Calloway, Head Scout of Eastern Canada, regarding Byfield. Here’s what he said to say when I asked him the basic question: What do you see when you watch Quinton Byfield?

“When I see Byfield, I see an uber skilled power forward that still has some rawness in his game,” Calloway said. “Someone once described him to me as a running back breaking through the line when he’s transitioning up ice, and I feel that that is so true. He leans forward, allows his momentum to carry himself with incredible speed up ice, but he’s light enough on his feet to allow his agility to shine through and change direction in a heartbeat.”

We’ll see if this latest news holds true, but for now, it would appear that Byfield will add to the Kings’ wealth of centerman prospects. And it’ll be interesting to see which ones either end up moving to the wing or are trade pieces for other assets on the team.