The Los Angeles Kings underwent somewhat of a facelift this summer, attempting to change their culture and identity with new additions.
Joel Edmundson, Warren Foegele and Tanner Jeannot were key additions in this attempted change from Rob Blake. While the spotlight should and undeniably will be on these players, these are the two future cornerstones that will have huge opportunities to do so.
Quinton Byfield’s potential is just as clear and it’s a beacon of hope for the Kings’ future. Its return to the center, after a period of significant growth and development, is a major victory. Even if he doesn’t reach an elite level of performance this season, his return to center is a game-changer. Offseason speculation hinted at a potential partnership between Kevin Fiala and Foegele on the wings, and the preseason has only confirmed what could be one of the most dynamic lines in the Kings offense.
This is the Kings’ best line throughout the preseason, for what it’s worth. He dominated play on the ice, and despite being a traditional natural playmaker, he scored a hat trick against the Boston Bruins. The 6’5 youngster showed off his hands and footwork while operating at full speed, something many NHL defensemen struggle to handle. This has been seen in glimpses over the last season and a half as a top-line winger worked primarily on the forecheck. Now, Byfield carries the puck more consistently in the zone than in the middle, crossing lanes and forcing defenders open.
He finally presents the tools he demonstrated to be drafted second overall. If he can continue his journey from preseason to regular season, the Kings could be in good shape to make another run for a playoff spot. In many ways, Byfield looks to be the missing center the Kings have been looking for, being a potential upgrade to the hole left by Pierre-Luc Dubois.
Unlike Byfield, who had a full NHL season and added two playoff runs, Brandt Clarke is about to get his first real opportunity to work full-time in the NHL. His potential is a source of intrigue and excitement for fans, who are eagerly awaiting full-time action from Clarke in the NHL.
Nonetheless, Clarke will be a must-play hockey player this season. Drew Doughty’s injury opens up a huge void at the back end. Jordan Spence is the more experienced player and is already lined up with Mikey Anderson to fill Doughty’s immediate ‘shoes’. Spence is only expected to be able to handle some of the level of responsibility that Doughty had as one of the game’s top defenders.
Clarke was paired with newcomer Edmundson, whose addition to the team was a necessary piece of grit and physicality in the backline due to last season’s reliance on Andreas Englund. Early on, the pair appeared to be reliable and attacking, with a defensive anchor in Edmundson when needed.
During the preseason, Clarke was dynamic with the puck, unafraid to move laterally and take on opposing forwards in the offensive zone one-on-one to make plays. Clarke’s shiftiness and hockey IQ were prevalent in Florida’s lone game when he looked for redirects up and down cycling plays, almost culminating in a goal by Anze Kopitar.
Clarke was also a mainstay in PP1 against Spence, who should boast excellent primary and secondary assist numbers if he stays there.
These players in Byfield and Clarke are pre-designated to take the reins over the next few years from two future Hall of Famers. It’s a mammoth task, but they’re both well-equipped to at least solidify themselves at the top of their roster position. While Byfield is here and now, ready to take the next step after playing 179 NHL games, Clarke has 25 total. Defensemen traditionally take longer to develop, but Clarke isn’t your traditional defender, and the Kings need him to take a big step forward this year.
Both players will be enticing to watch on the ice this season, having a big stake in the next phase of this franchise.
