EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Canadian forward Quinton Byfield has agreed to a five-year, $31.25 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Kings.
The Kings announced the deal Monday for Byfield, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NHL draft. The contract runs through the 2028-29 season.
The 21-year-old Byfield, from Newmarket, Ont., made significant strides last season with the Kings, recording a career-high 20 goals and 35 assists while playing 80 games. He was the first Los Angeles player to record a 20-goal season at his age since captain Anze Kopitar in 2007-08.
After a slow start to his NHL career as a teenager, the 6-foot-5 power forward has grown into a prominent role with the Kings, particularly on special teams. Byfield had a career-best 14 points on the power play last season, and he scored four game-winning goals while finishing with a plus-19 rating.
Los Angeles reached the playoffs for the third consecutive year, but was knocked out of the first round by Edmonton for the third straight season.
Byfield, who was a restricted free agent, will be the fifth Kings forward and eighth player with an average annual salary above $5 million next season.
The Los Angeles Kings have secured their future by signing top prospect Quinton Byfield to a five-year contract extension. Byfield, who was the second overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, has shown immense potential in his young career and the Kings are eager to lock him in for the long term.
Byfield, a 19-year-old center, made his NHL debut last season and quickly made an impact with his speed, skill, and hockey IQ. He tallied 20 points in 36 games, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively while also playing a responsible two-way game.
The Kings see Byfield as a cornerstone of their rebuild and are committed to developing him into a franchise player. By signing him to a five-year extension, they are showing their confidence in his ability to grow and improve over the coming years.
Byfield is excited to continue his career with the Kings and is grateful for the opportunity to play for such a storied franchise. He is eager to continue his development and help lead the team back to playoff contention.
With Byfield locked in for the long term, the Kings have a solid foundation to build upon as they look to return to their winning ways. Fans can look forward to watching Byfield grow and evolve into a star player for years to come.