“He’s a bust”; “Absolute steal”: NHL fans react as Quinton Byfield signs $31,250,000 contract extension with LA Kings

The Los Angeles Kings and Quinton Byfield have agreed on a five-year, $31.25 million contract extension. The rising star had a breakout season last year, notching 55 points in 80 games. The former No. 2 overall pick seems to be living up to his potential, so the Kings decided to lock up their young forward.

However, not all fans are seemingly convinced this was the right move for Los Angeles. Here’s a look at some of the comments from fans who feel that extending Byfield was not the wisest choice:

“He’s a bust unfortunately,” a fan opined.

“Ooph, well ya don’t win em all,” another fan chimed in.

“So after California taxes, he’s going to be making 3.5 million,” one fan weighed in.

While some fans are on the fence about Byfield’s new deal, others were ecstatic about the news, feeling that the Los Angeles Kings got a great deal.

Here’s a look at what they had to say:

“This feels like an absolute steal,” a fan posted.

“Curious to see how it plays out, will it be a bargain deal for the kings or an overpay? Time will tell but I think it’ll work out,” another fan expressed.

“Hell of a deal for the kings. He had a breakout year. Only going up,” a fan said.

The Kings will hope that Quinton Byfield can blossom into an elite power forward in the NHL. He’s only 21, so, there’s still a high ceiling for such a talented young player to continue building on his early success.

Quinton Byfield is a crucial part of Kings’ success

Quinton Byfield’s breakout season last year was highly encouraging after two tough years. Byfield played 40 games in the 2021-22 season, scoring 10 points. He followed that up in 2022-23 with 22 points in 53 games.

By then, fans and analysts considered Byfield a potential bust. However, Byfield turned things around last season. In part, his success is due to playing with an elite center like Anze Kopitar and having a strong linemate in Adrian Kempe.

Both Kopitar and Kempe are All-Star talents who have excelled at both ends of the ice. Playing with such linemates has allowed Byfield to elevate his game.

In the postseason, Byfield notched four assists in five games against the Edmonton Oilers. While the first-round elimination was disappointing for the Kings, it was a sign that the team is on the right path. With veteran additions such as Warren Foegele, Tanner Jeannot and Joel Edmundson, the Kings have bolstered a lineup that already boasts high-quality players.

The addition of goaltender Darcy Kuemper should solidify the Kings’ lineup further, making them a team to watch in the Pacific Division next season. If Byfield can elevate his game, the Kings should be in playoff conversation for the entire campaign.