Quinton Byfield has yet to really establish himself in the NHL since being drafted 2nd overall in 2020. The 6'5", 220-pound center has played 99 career NHL games so far, recording just 8 goals and 33 points. Now we know he was playing through an injury that significantly limited his ability to score last season.
With his wrist injuries, Byfield had just three goals last season, boasting a measly 4.1% shooting percentage. In the previous year, he had a 12.8% shooting percentage. Assuming his career average should be somewhere in between, likely in the 10-12% range, Byfield should score plenty more goals this year just based on that fact by itself.
Similarly, Byfield may have been more hesitant to shoot the puck last year since he knew his shot was limited by his bad wrists. If he elects to shoot at a higher rate this year that is another factor that should help him find the back of the net more often. We already know the skill is there.
