Kings Lock Up Byfield With Big Contract Extension
The Los Angeles Kings have re-signed a key piece to the future success of the organization.
The Kings and forward Quinton Byfield have agreed on a five-year contract extension worth $31.25 million.
Byfield had career highs in every offensive category last season and is a key player the Kings are relying on to win another Stanley Cup.
Kings, Byfield Agree to Massive Extension
Byfield made his NHL debut against the Anaheim Ducks on April 28, 2021, and became the sixth-youngest player to ever suit up for the franchise. The 6-foot-5 and 215-pound forward had embraced the opportunity but struggled his first full season in the league in 2021-22, posting five goals and five assists for 10 points in 40 games.
Fast forward to last season when Byfield erupted for offense and showed that his work had paid off in the defensive zone, becoming a complete player at a young age. Byfield scored 20 goals and added 35 assists for 55 points in 80 games last season, also increasing his hit total (66) and blocked shot total (19). He came into his last season and showed why he was the second overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.
He set career-highs in goals (20), assists (35), points (55), power-play goals (6), power-play points (14), and game-winning goals (4).
His contract breaks down as such:
- Year 1 // $775,000 base salary plus $5.5 million signing bonus
- Year 2 // $4 million plus $ 3 million signing bonus
- Year 3 // $ 4 million plus $1.5 million signing bonus
- Year 4 // $6.25 million
- Year 5 // He will be an unrestricted free agent (UFA) and have a 10-team no-trade list.
Byfield earned this contract, plain and simple. Since entering the NHL, he has progressed every season and continually worked on his game at both ends.
His time will come to be a top-line center, but until then, he will continue to develop and showcase his skills through hard work.
Byfield’s future is bright, and he could not be with a better organization than the Los Angeles Kings.
PHOTO: ClutchPoints
Discover more from Los Angeles Sports Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.