Byfuglien return

[ddp]

Anyone have any feeling or news? Does he have a chance to comeback February?
Don’t have much room but if he’s to comeback, I need him! Especially if they slide him to the IR

Will be kicking myself if a competitor grabs him!

[hockeyrobot]

I don't think he is even skating yet.....so I wouldn't get any hopes up.

https://illegalcurve.com/status-of-i...-their-return/

While this is obviously a different situation than the ones above due to the fact that he is suspended by the club he is still dealing with an injury. On October 30th Bob McKenzie of TSN reported that Byfuglien had ankle surgery which Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet indicated had taken place the week prior and that the recovery time would be around the new year. TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger chimed in with it being approximately four months (sometime in February) for recovery.

On December 17th Jason Bell and Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press reported that “Byfuglien has started a post-surgery rehabilitation program in consultation with the Jets that brings him closer to a potential on-ice return with the team later this season”. Fast forward to January 8th when Dreger indicated that Byfuglien “has reached the point in rehab from surgery where he needs to test the ankle on ice”. Which takes us to last week (January 23rd) when Dreger was chatting with the guys on the Afternoon Ride and said he doesn’t believe that Byfuglien is skating yet. Projected Return: ??

[JaysFan]

that was confusing because on pretty much the same day on Sportnet Brian Burke said 'we know that he's skating' or something to that effect

[BlackhawksFan]

I feel your pain and am in the same boat. I have had him taking a roster spot up and 7.6m in salary all year with no production from that spot. But if i drop him, i know someone will scoop him up and them he will magically come back. If i keep him, he will not come back. Chance I take I guess.

[finnys_fanatsy]

Even if he does come back he’s played what a a bit more than a half season in two years? Plus he’s not one to keep himself in the best of shape. He’s going to be tipping the heavyweight end of the scales. And he’s 35!

[PenguinHunter]

My best bet is he is going to try and do what Fisher did a couple years back... just jump on board at playoff time... hopefully the Jets are in the playoff mix.

[JaysFan]

Was holding him all year and just traded him for Provorov

[Axeman33]

My best bet is he is going to try and do what Fisher did a couple years back... just jump on board at playoff time... hopefully the Jets are in the playoff mix.

The way it's looking, the playoffs wont be in the cards for the Jets anyway. His big ole contract is a big reason why the Jets cant make moves to improve their roster for a playoff push.

[ericdaoust]

[Dennis]

Frank Seravalli✔@frank_seravalli

Hearing #nhljets and Dustin Byfuglien are working toward a mutual contract termination over the next several days, which would end his suspension (and grievance) - and finally give Winnipeg the salary cap clarity needed ahead of #TradeCentre.

https://www.tsn.ca/trade-bait-winnip...plit-1.1437152

[2014olympicgold]

does this mean he'll be a FA? Obviously barring injury and if he even wants to play this yr, but Buff could be a MASSIVE addition to a team

[ericdaoust]

I just wonder about his conditioning. He has a rep for enjoying himself during the offseason. This time he's had an extended offseason and he hasn't played in so long (plus age). My guess is he'll sign for close to the minimum like Kovalchuk.

[Axeman33]

does this mean he'll be a FA? Obviously barring injury and if he even wants to play this yr, but Buff could be a MASSIVE addition to a team

Yes, he would become a Free Agent.

[2014olympicgold]

Elliotte Friedman the "most likely" outcome is he doesn't play this yr, and re-visits his hockey future in the summer.

[DzingelBarries]

Elliotte Friedman the "most likely" outcome is he doesn't play this yr, and re-visits his hockey future in the summer.

Did he say this before or after the Servalli news? I heard Elliotte say this before the news, but haven't heard him say this after contract termination making him an UFA news.

Hawks just claimed Seeler off waivers. Can you imagine Big Buff going back to Chicago to run their PP in a playoff push?