Quoting: csick
idk i dont see LA having elite wingers at the moment and i think they could create an elite top 6 with Stutzle. I just really see them taking Stutzle in my mind
I mean, you're not necessarily wrong about "elite" wingers in the system. But here are a couple of other points to support why the Kings go Byfield.
1) Both Fagemo and Kaliyev are in the system marinating with projected top-6 upside. The #35 pick can also be used to pick a top-6 upside winger.
2) Turcotte has the tools to be an elite winger if they decide to go with Byfield-Vilardi-Kopitar as their centers in two-three years.
3) It's MUCH easier to find an elite winger in free agency than it is to find an elite 1C. When the Kings are ready to start contending, and if they still feel as if they have holes on the wing, they can find something in the UFA market.
4) Centers are better trade chips than wingers. So if they decide in year or two that one of Byfield/Turcotte/Vilardi don't fit, they'll get more value on the trade market from one of them.