Byfield netted a hat trick Thursday in a 4-1 preseason win over Boston.

Byfield has been playing at center this preseason and is showing the NHL why he was drafted second overall (2020). On Thursday, the big man scored twice in 25 seconds in the second period. The first came on a beautiful one-timer on a 2-on-1 break with Kevin Fiala, and then Byfield smacked in a rebound from in tight. His third goal came on the power play in the third. Byfield has looked comfortable at pivot this season and seems to have chemistry with newcomer Warren Foegele and veteran Kevin Fiala. He hopes to build on his 20 goals and 35 assists from last year.