Future Watch: Los Angeles Kings Hockey Cards, trio to collect

by | Mar 19, 2021 | Future Watch, Future Watch - Hockey, Hockey, Player Profiles, Sports

Share On Facebook
Share On X
Share On Linkedin
Share Via Email
Share On Facebook
Share On X
Share On Pinterest
Share On Linkedin
Share Via Email

Future Watch: Los Angeles Kings Hockey Cards, trio to collect – The Los Angeles Kings have one of the best farm systems in the NHL. They are loaded at the center position. That’s a good place to be because it’s easy to switch from center to the wing if need be. Centers have to be good two-way players, and top-six centers are in great demand in the league. The Kings have some solid defenseman as well, so we will focus on both positions with this trio but know there are more to come over the next year or two.

Quinton Byfield was drafted second overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. The Kings knew that expectations were high for the former Sudbury Wolves star. Just because he scored 143 points in 109 games, however, didn’t mean he was ready for the NHL. Byfield is 6-4, 215 pounds, but he doesn’t have incredible strength. Byfield isn’t an overly physical player, not yet, and you don’t want him to be a target in the NHL, so starting his pro career with the Ontario Reign in the AHL was the smart thing to do. In his first 16 games there, Byfield scored two goals and added seven helpers. His speed and offensive ability will eventually shine. Byfield has scored a shorthanded goal already. When Byfield is around the net, that’s where he’s most dangerous. It’s hard to move him out of the crease. He’s only 18, collectors need to be patient.
Shop for Quinton Byfield Cards

Gabe Vilardi is a 6-3 center who was drafted 11th overall in 2017. This strong center had his career derailed a bit because of back injuries stemming back to his days in Juniors. Things started to improve for Vilardi in 2018 with the Reign (albeit in a shortened play time of only four games) but now he is scoring at both levels. His excellent hands, pro shot, and solid two-way play saw him get six goals and six assists in his first 27 games this season with the Kings. Collectors should know he has more offense to give, and that will come in time.
Shop for Gabe Vilardi Cards

Mikey Anderson was selected with the 103rd overall pick in 2017. Anderson rode the wave of the USHL with the Waterloo Blackhawks, then to Minnesota Duluth where he won two championships before turning pro. Smartly, the Kings had Anderson spend most of 2019-20 with Ontario, where he played in 53 games along with six in L.A. The 15 points were a steppingstone. In 2020-21, Anderson scored six points in his first 20 games. He’s not getting power play time, but he has a point on the penalty kill. As the team trusts him more, down the road, he will start to show off his accurate shot and smart passing to score more points. Anderson will be much better in two seasons, so buy low.
Shop for Mikey Anderson Cards

Future Watch: Los Angeles Kings Hockey Cards, trio to collect – Resources

Future Watch: Anaheim Ducks Hockey Cards, trio to collect– Image Gallery


Russ Cohen
Latest posts by Russ Cohen (see all)

Related Posts