Could Quinton Byfield be an option?

A huge consensus is that the Buffalo Sabres need to improve at center. There are many reports that they are looking`, in particular, for a third line option to Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens. One player they may want to make a move for is Quinton Byfield.

As a member of the Los Angeles Kings last season, Byfield scored 20 goals and 35 assists on the season. Only Thompson had more goals at the position for Buffalo and no one on the roster had more assists. Byfield had a +/- of +19 for the season total. Peyton Krebs was the only Sabre in the positive.

Byfield was selected second overall in the 2020 NHL Draft and has made a splash since entering the league. He may be a high-profile player to acquire, but Buffalo needs more prolific scorers and provides Thompson more assistance at center.

The main issue for the Sabres is that Byfield is a restricted free agent entering the offseason. If Buffalo offers him a contract and he chooses to sign, the Kings will have the right to match the offer. It may also be an option that if Byfield signs a bridge contract with the Kings this offseason, as opposed to a long-term deal, Buffalo could easily look at him next year as an unrestricted free agent or trade option.

Los Angeles did lose to the Stanley Cup Finals bound Edmonton Oilers 4-1 in the opening round of the playoffs this year. But finding players with playoff experience will be vital for a Buffalo team that is looking to end a 13-year playoff drought.

During the five post-season games, Byfield had four assists in the series. He also won three faceoffs out of the four he encountered during the five games. A tough and up-and-coming player may be a splash for Buffalo but may be what's needed.