The Winnipeg Jets have announced they’ve signed defenseman Dustin Byfuglien to a $38 million, five-year extension.
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Byfuglien, 30, could have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
The extension is worth an average of $7.6 million per season.
Byfuglien was acquired when the Jets franchise when it was based in Atlanta via a 2010 off-season trade with Chicago. At six-foot-five and 260 pounds, Byfuglien is a unique two-way force who can put up points, defend and deliver big hits. “But I think it’s that maturation of a person that has allowed him to understand how he can take his games to other levels, as well”.
In 52 games with the Jets so far this season, Byfuglien has registered 15 goals and 17 assists for 32 points, along with 78 penalty minutes.
He is also averaging the highest ice time of any player in Winnipeg at 24:14 per game. With Byfuglien back in the mix, the Jets could deal him if his salary demands are too high. One of the top pending free agent forwards available is Jets captain Andrew Ladd.
Players like Teravainen and Nick Schmaltz would nearly certainly be off the table in any Ladd negotiations, but players like Vincent Hinostroza and Ryan Hartman could potentially be a fit in a swap if that’s the direction Stan Bowman wants the team to go.
“There’s lots of pieces to the puzzle”, Cheveldayoff said. The Winnipeg Jets forward has been suspended one game by the National Hockey League.
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The Jets play at St. Louis Monday night.
