The Columbus Blue Jackets were in Los Angeles last night to take on the LA Kings in a game that no one on the East coast really cared about or stayed up for. However, late in the first period, Quinton Byfield gave everyone a reason to watch the highlight pack this morning.
Off a faceoff in the Kings' zone with just over 2 minutes to go in the first, Byfield picked up the loose puck and skated down the ice in a 1-on-2 situation against Blue Jackets defensemen Adam Boqvist and Zach Werenski. The play didn't look like it was going to lead to much until Byfield completely undressed Werenski with a toe drag before deking out Boqvist and Elvis Merzlikins to open the scoring.
Drafted second overall in the 2020 draft, Byfield struggled his first three seasons to find his footing in the NHL, which had many labelling him as a bust. This season, however, Byfield has been a staple in the Kings' top-six and has proven that their patience with him is paying off. Through 52 games, the 6'5, 225 pound winger has 18 goals and 42 points and is finally living up to his draft position and hype.
