Winnipeg Jets Dustin Byfuglien likely done and could Patrik Laine be on the move?
By Zach Laing
3 years agoAccording to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, it appears that Dustin Byfuglien’s NHL career is over. He spoke during a headlines segment Saturday night where he said while Byfuglien had interest from the Minnesota Wild — the only team to express any — it’s unlikely that he will play in the NHL again.
“It’s very unlikely Dustin Byfuglien is going to play. Teams have asked. One of the teams that have asked is the Minnesota Wild, they figured because Byfuglien has a lot of ties to Minnesota he’d want to play there and they could use him. They’re probably the only team that has a chance. But I checked with Byfuglien’s agent, Ben Hankinson, and he said it’s doubtful Byfuglien will play again.” – Friedman
A native of Minnesota, Byfuglien was drafted by Chicago in the eight round of the 2003 draft. He broke into the league in 2005, but was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers in 2010. He moved with the club to Winnipeg in 2011 and played 609 games for the organization scoring 416 points.
Laine on the move?
Friedman also speculated that Patrik Laine could be on the move this offseason as the Jets look to acquire a second-line centre, or a right-shot defenceman.
“I don’t think Patrik Laine has asked for a trade or anything like that but I think they can kind of see where this is potentially going in the future. I just think everybody’s looking at the situation and saying ‘what if our way to solve the problem is, can we use Patrik Laine to find No. 2 centre or a right-hand shot defenceman?” – Friedman
Laine has one year left on a deal paying him $6.25-million. This is obviously going to be a big story to follow this offseason.
On Twitter: @zjlaing
Recent articles from Zach Laing
