Quinton Byfield

Byfield got on the board with a nice power-play assist to Arthur Kaliyev who gave the Kings a 2-0 lead at the 6:36 mark of the first period. The rookie also found the back of the net twice in the third period and put the game far out of reach for the Predators who showed little signs of fight on the night. Byfield finished the game with a plus-2 and two shots on goal in 15:15 of ice-time. The 19-year-old has four goals and seven points through 25 games. 

Byfield has a goal in eight contests while averaging 11:10 minutes. Obviously you want to see much more than that from a former second overall pick, but it's early in his career and it's a learning process. That said, Kings coach Todd McLellan is looking for Byfield to be bolder. “I think there’s ups and downs with him, it’s not easy, it hasn’t been smooth,” McLellan said. “I think he’s at the point now where he needs to be poked a little bit and he’s getting that. He’s been a pro now for a year and how he started in the American League is how he’s started here, he’s learned a lot of lessons. I talk a lot about permission, it’s time for him to start giving himself permission and let’s go."

Byfield got the Kings on the board with his marker at 17:05 of the first period. Byfield was playing in his 10th career NHL game and his fourth game with Los Angeles this season. “I’m definitely super excited. To do it with this team and on Drew’s 1,000th game night, it’s a special moment … I will remember it my whole life," Byfield said in reference to Thursday's contest also being Drew Doughty's 1,000th career game. "I don’t want to take anything away from his 1,000th game. It’s an unbelievable achievement, he’s a Hall of Famer, a great player. He’s a competitive guy and he makes you want to do more out there. It’s a moment we can share forever.”

Byfield is expected to make his NHL season debut on Thursday night against Colorado. He has been sidetracked by injuries and illness this season, but he has four goals and six points in 11 matches with Ontario of the AHL. Byfield had one assist in six appearances with the Kings last year.