2020 NHL Draft Rankings: Top 10 prospects after March
By Simon Vacca
2. Quinton Byfield
DOB: Aug. 19, 2002 (age 17)
Position: C
Shoots: L
Team: Sudbury Wolves — OHL
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 214 pounds
Generally projected to be selected second overall, Quinton Byfield of the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves has dominated the talk circuit of the hockey world throughout much of the past year.
The seventeen-year-old center is no stranger to being compared to dominant forces in the NHL. Recently, such linkages have been drawn between the talented forward and Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Per Steve Kournianos:
"Much like current NHL star Auston Matthews, Byfield can dictate the flow of a possession from the boards or behind the net, and linemates at every level seem to understand that it’s his job to facilitate playmaking off the cycle. Byfield, however, is exceptionally crafty with the puck, and goalies have to respect his powerful shot that he wires with pinpoint accuracy from anywhere inside the offensive zone."
The consensus among many is that Byfield is the type of player who offers speed, size and a repertoire of irrefutable talent to prospective organizations. And much like the aforementioned Matthews, there is some room for improvement when giving consideration to Byfield’s defensive game.
Regardless, it is not unreasonable to expect the young center to become a dynamic-altering performer at the professional level.