Quinton Byfield Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Quinton Byfield the Los Angeles Kings towering center and second-overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft has been a polarizing figure in fantasy hockey circles. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds he possesses the size and skill to be a dominant power forward but his fantasy outlook for the 2025-26 season particularly in bangers leagues requires a nuanced evaluation. At just 23 years old born August 19 2002 Byfield is one of the youngest players from his draft class giving him a longer runway to reach his ceiling compared to peers like Alexis Lafrenière or Tim Stützle. In dynasty leagues where youth and upside are paramount, he ranks as a top-tier center prospect likely sitting in the top 15-20 forwards overall. His combination of size skating and offensive tools makes him a potential franchise cornerstone especially as the Kings transition away from aging stars like Anze Kopitar who will be 38 in August 2025. Kopitar’s gradual decline could open the door for Byfield to assume a more prominent role potentially as the Kings top-line center by 2026-27. His dynasty value is bolstered by a five-year $31.25 million contract extension signed in July 2024 signaling the Kings commitment to him as a core piece. However his long-term ceiling hinges on whether he can fully harness his physical tools and improve consistency particularly in high-pressure situations like the playoffs. For dynasty managers Byfield is a hold right now as his best years are likely still ahead though patience may be required.

In bangers leagues where hits blocked shots and penalty minutes are valued alongside goals and assists Byfield’s fantasy profile is a mixed bag. Despite his linebacker-like frame he does not rack up hits at the rate you’d expect from a power forward of his size. In the 2023-24 season he recorded just 66 hits in 80 games.  Scouts note that Byfield often described as a gentle giant prefers to use his size to protect the puck and create space rather than deliver bone crushing checks. This lack of physicality is a significant drawback in bangers leagues where multi-category contributors like Brady Tkachuk or Tom Wilson thrive. His 19 blocked shots and minimal penalty minutes typically under 30 per season further limit his peripheral contributions. However his offensive output partially compensates. In 2023-24 he broke out with 20 goals and 35 assists for 55 points in 80 games along with 161 shots and 14 power-play points showing he can contribute in scoring categories. For 2025-26 projections based on past stats suggest he could push for 25-30 goals and 60-65 points if he maintains his top-line role alongside Kopitar and Adrian Kempe with an uptick in power-play time as he averaged just 0:34 per game last season.

https://youtu.be/P7Zxznz9jLw?si=d8Ls_7qc05iNdSTV

(Quinton Byfield is a wagon, he just needs to get involved more in the physical aspect of the game)

Byfield’s eye test has evolved significantly since his OHL days with the Sudbury Wolves where he posted 82 points including 32 goals and 50 assists in 45 games in 2019-20. Early in his NHL career injuries notably a fractured ankle in 2021 and inconsistent production raised concerns about translating his junior dominance to the pros. However the 2023-24 season marked a turning point. His skating described as explosive and powerful allowed him to drive play and create scoring chances with elite puck-handling and vision. His ability to carry the puck like a power running back and adjust rush patterns has made him a dynamic offensive threat. Still areas for improvement remain. Coaches urge him to adopt an assassin’s mentality in scoring zones as he occasionally passes up shooting opportunities on odd-man rushes.  The eye test suggests he is trending upward but his fantasy value in bangers leagues will remain capped until he embraces a more physical style.

Based on his 2023-24 performance and expected role a projected stat line for Byfield in the 2025-26 season over 82 games includes 25-30 goals 35-40 assists 60-70 points 170-200 shots 70-90 hits 20-30 blocked shots 25-35 penalty minutes and 15-20 power-play points. These numbers make him a solid mid-tier fantasy option in bangers leagues particularly for scoring and shot volume. However his low hit totals mean he’s less valuable than multi-category beasts drafted in similar ranges. If he can increase physical engagement perhaps hitting 100-120 hits by leaning more into his size he could elevate into a top-50 fantasy asset.

Byfield’s ADP in 2024-25 fantasy drafts typically falls in the 80-100 range placing him alongside players like Dylan Cozens from Buffalo Cole Perfetti from Winnipeg and Juraj Slafkovsky from Montreal. Dylan Cozens similar in age at 24 and offensive upside with 18 goals and 47 points in 2023-24 offers slightly more hits at 100-120 and faceoff value making him a safer pick in bangers leagues though Byfield’s ceiling is higher if he breaks out. Cole Perfetti a playmaker with less size at 5-foot-11 and fewer hits at 50-60 posted 38 points in 71 games last season suggesting comparable offensive output but Byfield’s top-line role gives him an edge in scoring potential. Juraj Slafkovsky at 21 is a true power forward with 20 goals and over 100 hits in 2023-24 making his physicality and youth a better fit for bangers leagues though Byfield’s center eligibility adds flexibility. In bangers leagues Byfield is a risky pick at his current ADP due to low hit totals. Managers prioritizing scoring and dynasty upside may find him worth the selection especially if they believe he’ll grow into a more physical role. However if hits and penalty minutes are critical Slafkovsky or a veteran like Tom Wilson available later might offer better value. Byfield’s worth hinges on banking on his offensive breakout and potential to add 20-30 more hits as he matures.

Quinton Byfield’s fantasy prospects for 2025-26 are promising but come with caveats in bangers leagues. His dynasty ranking remains elite due to his age skill and role as a future top-line center post-Kopitar. However his lack of hits despite imposing size limits immediate appeal in leagues rewarding physicality. Compared to peers at his ADP he offers high offensive upside but lags in peripheral categories. For managers in bangers leagues he’s a calculated gamble worth drafting if confident in his scoring trajectory and willing to wait for his physical game to catch up otherwise consider pivoting to a more well-rounded banger unless he starts throwing his weight around more consistently.