“Ready to go” – Kings’ center Quinton Byfield excited for healthy start after ankle injury
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Quinton Byfield
Los Angles Kings rookie center Quinton Byfield was forced to miss out for three months during last season due to his ankle injury. The 19-year-old center was selected by the Kings in the 2020 NHL Draft as the 2nd overall. Before his opening night, he had to back down due to an ankle injury in a preseason game on October 5, which further delayed his debut until January 20.
About the King’s development camp this month, Byfield commented, “Coming in halfway through the year when everything’s in full swing and you’ve been hurt for half a year is definitely difficult, but there’s not any excuse you can really make on that”. “And I think this year I’ll just be more ready and ready to go.”
Quinton Byfield excited for his breakout season
According to nhl.com, Quinton Byfield recorded 10 points with 5 goals and 5 assists in 40 games. He scored his first NHL goal against the New York Islanders on January 27th. He’s been hoping to get more ice time on the third line and has been focused on improving his defensive positioning and face-offs. His weakness was exposed during the Game 1 and 2 of the Western Conference First Round against the Edmonton Oilers.
Byfield noted, “I’ve never lost hope on anything”. “I mean, I know I’m a good player and I’ll be there eventually. It’s just a little bit of patience and just getting the opportunity as well.” As part of his rehabilitation assignment after his injury, he participated in the American Hockey League (AHL) and played for 43 games over the past two seasons. “Lot of older veterans down there that have been there for a while, so they kind of showed me the ropes,” he said. “I think I’ve still got a ton more to prove,” he said. “And the next season I think it’ll be a lot better.”
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