18 years old Quinton Byfield became the highest drafted black player in NHL history by being selected second overall by the Los Angeles Kings.
The 6’4″ Newmarket, Ontario native spent last season with the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL where he collected 82 points in 45 games and collected two assists in two games during the OHL Jr. All-Star Super Series.
As the EliteProspects 2020 NHL Draft Guide points out, “where most skaters are looking for space; Byfield carries the puck like a powerful running back in the NFL.
Most mock drafts released by hockey analysts predicted Byfield to be drafted in the top 5 of this year’s draft, so his arrival at No. 2 yesterday was by no means a huge surprise. It also seemed clear that the Rimouski Océanic winger Alexis Lafrenière was a lock for No. 1 before the draft began. The fact that he went anywhere other than first overall would have been big news.
By being selected second overall, Byfield surpasses San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane And Seth Joneseach picked at No. 4 in their respective draft years.
According to USA Today, “Byfield was immediately praised by San Jose’s Evander Kane and hopes to one day contribute to hockey’s diversity initiatives.”
