Byfield is young he will probably play in the OHL. Why burn an ELC year on a short NHL season.
In theory, this totally makes sense. It’s not like the Kings are done rebuilding and planning on making a run.
Byfield does look like the kind of guy who could hit the ground running, tho. As long as he isn’t slotted on the 4th line with little talent surrounding him, he could definitely contribute, and a shortened season might even be a decent stepping stone. The kid is just gonna run over the OHL as it is.
But not burning a year of his contract certainly has merit.