It's a weird year, so I don't know what to expect. But, historically, it's pretty rare for the 2nd overall pick to be at the WJC, and generally, they are top players. The only ones to go in the last 15 years are Sam Reinhart, JVR and Bobby Ryan. All were a point per game or better and with JVR and Reinhart making the end of tournament all-star team.
C Quinton Byfield (2020, 2nd, LAK) part III
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malcb33
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It's true he has expectations due to where he was drafted but he was draft that high based on potential, more so than any of the other top draft pics. One could easily argue there were other more ready prospects in the draft, but the Kings chose Byfield because of what he could become, not what he is today.
That doesn't take away the weight on his shoulders to perform today, but even if he has an average tournament that's also not the end of him as a top prospect.
Why bother watching the game when you can look at the scoresheet.
TheBeastCoast
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I mean I watched them...I certainly would not classify him as great in them. I don't think I am looking at the scoresheet when I say that lol
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From what I saw of the scrimmages Byfield showed crazy skills but didn't seem to use his body/size at all. He leaves you wanting more but that's why he's such an exciting prospect: "this isn't even his final form."
Even though you would expect Byfield to dominate given his draft spot/ability isn't he arguably the 3rd C on Canada behind Dach and Cozens? IDK how they plan to deploy him on special teams but he doesn't get the traditional 1c playing time I wouldn't be surprised if he "disappoints" relative to the expectations of a 2nd overall pick in the WJC given how stacked the team should be.
Even though you would expect Byfield to dominate given his draft spot/ability isn't he arguably the 3rd C on Canada behind Dach and Cozens? IDK how they plan to deploy him on special teams but he doesn't get the traditional 1c playing time I wouldn't be surprised if he "disappoints" relative to the expectations of a 2nd overall pick in the WJC given how stacked the team should be.
Top 3 lines for team Canada, there isn't a huge difference in ice time, if he and his line play well they will put them on the ice enough ( see Cirelli line in 2017 ) .
But, isn't part of the expectation of a 2nd overall pick in his 18 year old season to get the 1st line center gig based on ability that got him drafted that high?
Rabid Ranger
2 is better than one
One would think but it seems like a lot of posters have a bag of excuses ready for this guy.
ORRFForever
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He needs to step up and prove himself - he didn't last year. If he doesn't, people are going to criticize and rightfully so. The kid is a monster with a ton of talent and he needs to play accordingly.
ORRFForever
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Exactly. He needs to step up like Laf did last year. Fortunately, with all the talent on this team, he doesn't have to carry the team but he does need to be dominant when he's on the ice.
At 6'4" and 220 lbs, he should at least be a physical force.
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- Jan 24, 2007
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Would Dach and Cozens be there normally? Feels like Dach wouldn't at least.
edit: I don't think Kings fans should sweat if Byfield is clearly behind Dach this tournament.
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TheBeastCoast
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I don't think anyone is saying he has to be the tournament MVP....but he has to make an impact. I don't really care where he lines up on the team he can't just be there. If he is the 3rd line centre he should absolutely feast on weaker matchups or be pushing the people ahead of him.
ORRFForever
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The only real comparable is 2005 when Malkin played, which isn’t really the fairest benchmark.
But, Canada has moved centres around and to the wing for years to stack the top 6.
ORRFForever
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Northern Avs Fan
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Give Byfield some time. He’s younger than Lafreniere for his draft year and is going to need a year, or two in junior to fulfill his potential.
ORRFForever
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We're all rooting for him. We just expected more at this point given his size, skillset, potential and hype.
Fresh Prince55
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Northern Avs Fan
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ORRFForever
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He was at the World Juniors last year. He was invisible.
Let's not argue semantics, he has not "popped" like many of us hoped.
Northern Avs Fan
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I don’t really put any stock into how a player plays at the WJ’s in their draft year. Plenty of good NHL’ers had bad WJ’s.
ORRFForever
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True.
Again, he's has the opportunity to excel this Christmas - he doesn't have to carry the team, all while being on a team that's loaded. Let's hope he shines.
I'm sure 95% of posters here (myself included) want him to be GREAT!!!!
kilowatt
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Not that it really matters, but he was also the youngest player on the team, one of only two 02-born players. Did you write off Lafreniere after his invisible 2019 WJC?
To me there are still a lot of elements missing from his game. I watched the scrimmages and like my viewings last year I wasn't wowed by him.
Yes he flashes his combination of explosiveness and soft mitts fairly regularly and also pulls the odd power move to the net but it doesn't generally lead to much. Imo it is mostly due to him trying to do too much.
He dekes one guy nicely but then trys to go at a second guy and gets the puck stripped. He tends to try to rely too much on his talent and against better competition he is more easily shut down.
The biggest things I think he needs to add to his game to truly be a dominant force are a simplified approach in his transition offense. If he can learn to work more give and goes where he defers the puck in the nz and then hits a hole hard with his size and speed he will get a lot of chances.
He is also going to need to learn how to use his size to shield the puck effectively down low. Good thing for him is he will be learning from one of the best at this in Kopitar.
Yes he flashes his combination of explosiveness and soft mitts fairly regularly and also pulls the odd power move to the net but it doesn't generally lead to much. Imo it is mostly due to him trying to do too much.
He dekes one guy nicely but then trys to go at a second guy and gets the puck stripped. He tends to try to rely too much on his talent and against better competition he is more easily shut down.
The biggest things I think he needs to add to his game to truly be a dominant force are a simplified approach in his transition offense. If he can learn to work more give and goes where he defers the puck in the nz and then hits a hole hard with his size and speed he will get a lot of chances.
He is also going to need to learn how to use his size to shield the puck effectively down low. Good thing for him is he will be learning from one of the best at this in Kopitar.
ORRFForever
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Good Lord.
NO one is writing him off. Nothing would make me happier than if he was the MVP on the 2021 WJR's.
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