LA Kings: How the Pacific Division drafted on Day 1
By Ryan Sikes
The LA Kings took Quinton Byfield with the second overall pick. How did the rest of the Pacific Division shake out on Day 1 of the NHL Draft?
Day 1 of the NHL Draft is over. The LA Kings got their guy in Quinton Byfield after months of speculation. General Manager Rob Blake was quick to temper the expectations for the Kings’ newest member, saying that he wouldn’t be playing a full-time role at the NHL level next year.
Blake then talked about not forcing Byfield into the lineup. In code, politely suggesting people need to pump the brakes. Byfield won't play a full-time role for the Kings in 2020-21.
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) October 7, 2020
That said, Byfield will get a look in training camp.
Blake says Byfield physically has the ability to play in the NHL. Yet, there's too much uncertainty because of the WJC, OHL, schedule, etc. Hinted he'll get a look coming out of camp.
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) October 7, 2020
Let’s see how the rest of the Pacific Division drafted on Day 1.
LA Kings
2nd overall: Quinton Byfield, C
Byfield gives the Kings another center. He could end up being the best player from this draft class in a few years, especially after he continues to physically mature. With the Sudbury Wolves over the last two years, Byfield scored 61 goals with 82 assists in 109 games.
He spoke with the LA media after being drafted, and described himself as a “big, speedy center.” The 18-year-old indicated that he’s a pass-first center and that he utilizes his speed to beat defenders and his size to work his way towards the net.
The Black & White looks good on you Quinton Byfield 😎@GEICO | #GoKingsGo | #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/K9EId7xTsZ
— LA Kings (@LAKings) October 6, 2020
Vegas Golden Knights
29th overall: Brendan Brisson, C
Brisson will play collegiate hockey at Michigan next year after scoring 24 goals with 35 assists for 59 points in 45 games for the Chicago Steel of the USHL last season. The 18-year-old Manhattan Beach, California native stands at 6-foot-0, 185 pounds. Interestingly enough, he started out playing for the LA Jr. Kings 13U team. Now he’s headed off to Las Vegas with the potential to see the NHL later in the 2020-2021 season.
“The gears are always turning. Brisson skates into pressure to deploy a gravitational pull on the opposition and has the good sense to either quickly dispatch of the puck to a teammate in space or processes his way through it one defender at a time. He’s the best problem-solving forward in the draft not named Alexis Lafrienière.” – EliteProspects