Byfield signs 5-year, $31.25 million contract with Kings

The forward, who is 21 years old, was a restricted free agent and achieved a career-high of 55 points in the previous season.

Quinton Byfield signed a five-year, $31.25 million contract with the Los Angeles Kings on Monday. It has an average annual value of $6.25 million.

In the previous season, the forward, aged 21 and a restricted free agent, achieved remarkable milestones in the NHL. Throughout 80 regular-season games, he surpassed his previous records, scoring 20 goals, providing 35 assists, and accumulating 55 points. Additionally, his exceptional performance extended to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where he contributed with four assists across five games.

On Tuesday, Byfield expressed his contentment in being a part of the L.A. Kings for the next five years. He acknowledged that there were other potential deals in consideration, but ultimately both parties agreed that this was the optimal agreement. Byfield hopes to remain a lifelong member of the L.A. Kings, with the aspiration that the time to leave never arises.

The Kings have secured Quinton Byfield’s services for an extended period as he signs a contract extension.

Byfield, chosen as the No. 2 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft by Los Angeles, has recorded a total of 88 points (28 goals and 60 assists) throughout 179 regular-season games. Additionally, he has contributed eight points (one goal and seven assists) in 13 playoff games.

Byfield, a natural center who played wing on the top line with center Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe last season, will move back to center this season.

Byfield expressed his excitement about the upcoming opportunity, stating that returning to the center position feels like a fresh challenge for him. Despite this, he reassured that he has been playing in that position throughout his entire life. He also mentioned the privilege of playing with and alongside players like ‘Kopi’ and Phil (Danault), and observing their responsible play in both the offensive and defensive zones. Byfield acknowledged that he has learned a great deal from them, particularly in terms of their attentiveness to both sides of the game, including face-offs. He looks forward to incorporating elements of their game into his own when he resumes playing as a center.

NHL.com independent correspondent Dan Greenspan contributed to this report