The LA Kings have signed forward Quinton Byfield to a five-year contract extension worth an average annual value (AAV) of $6,250,000 through the 2028-29 season.

Byfield, 21, played in 80 games last season, establishing career-highs in games played, goals (20), assists (35), points (55), power-play goals (6), power-play points (14) and game-winning goals (4) with a plus-19 rating, the third-highest on the team and highest among any team forward. Byfield is the third Kings player in the last 20 years to record 20 goals in a season at age 21 or younger (Anze Kopitar; 32G in 2007-08, 27 in 2008-09 & 20 in 2006-07 and Alex Frolov; 24 in 2003-04), and 10th overall in franchise history. He also added four assists (0-4=4) in five Stanley Cup Playoff contests.

The second overall selection in the 2020 NHL Draft, Byfield became the 31st player in franchise history to score in their 100th career game on Oct. 11, 2023. He also recorded a career-long six-game assist streak (0-9=9) from Oct. 31 – Nov. 11 to become the fourth skater 21 years of age or younger in team history to establish an assist streak of at least six games, and first since Jimmy Carson’s six-game span (3-8=11) in 1987-88.

The 6-5, 225-pound forward’s 35 assists and 55 points last season ranked fifth and fourth in the league, respectively, among skaters under 22 years of age. Byfield tallied five multi-goal outings, tied for most on the team with Trevor Moore, and for most in the league among all skaters 21 years of age or younger. In doing so, Byfield became one of six skaters in franchise history to have five or more multi-goal games in a single season before turning 22 years old, and the first to do so in over 30 years (Jimmy Carson, nine times in 1987-88).

On April 28, 2021, Byfield made his debut in the NHL against Anaheim at the age of 18 years and 252 days. This achievement placed him as the sixth-youngest player in Kings history to play a game. Since then, Byfield has showcased his skills by accumulating 28 goals and 60 assists in 179 career NHL games, resulting in a total of 88 points (28 goals, 60 assists). This places him among the top 10 players in franchise history to achieve at least 80 career points before turning 22 years old. Anze Kopitar leads this list with 204 points in 236 games. Additionally, Byfield has also played in 59 games for the Ontario Reign of the AHL, amassing 41 points (21 goals, 20 assists) over parts of three seasons.

Before turning professional, Byfield had an impressive performance with the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). In a span of two seasons and 109 games, he recorded a total of 143 points, consisting of 61 goals and 82 assists. He also contributed eight points, including 3 goals and 5 assists, in eight postseason games. Byfield’s exceptional skills and accomplishments did not go unnoticed, as he was named to the 2019-20 OHL Third All-Star Team, served as team captain in the CHL Top Prospects Game, and received multiple awards. These accolades include being named the 2018-19 CHL Rookie of the Year, OHL Rookie of the Year, and being chosen for the OHL First All-Rookie Team. Byfield’s outstanding rookie season was highlighted by his 61 points, consisting of 29 goals and 32 assists, in 64 games.

Born and raised in Newmarket, Ontario, this talented individual has proudly represented Canada on numerous occasions. His most recent achievement was at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he showcased his skills by accumulating an impressive seven points (2 goals, 5 assists) in seven games, ultimately securing a silver medal for his team. Additionally, he made history during the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship as the youngest player on the roster that clinched the gold medal. Notably, he also contributed to Canada’s success by claiming silver medals in both the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2018 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.