The news broke this morning that the Jets and Dustin Byfuglien had agreed to a mutual termination of contract. Later in the morning Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff held a conference call which runs about 35 minutes.
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff conference call began with a timeline (runs first 6 minutes).
Topics included: Any financial settlement with agreement? Does he expect Byfuglien to draw interest from other teams/does he expect him to ever play again? His favourite memories of Dustin Byfuglien. Byfuglien’s first pre-season game making him a fan favourite here in Winnipeg. How did this situation limit his ability to address the Jets needs this season? Was the team in agreement that Byfuglien needed the surgery? On a potential dispute regarding finances. Did Byfuglien give a reason as to why he didn’t want to continue with the skating rehab? Asked for insight into the nature of Byfuglien’s grievance. Byfuglien walking away from 14 million dollars. Does this tarnish Dustin Byfuglien’s legacy? On Byfuglien’s uniqueness as a player. Reflection on how this played out. Was there any red flag when Dustin Byfuglien didn’t participate in ‘Da Beauty League’ this past summer? Would he characterize the end of Byfuglien’s career as “Buff being Buff”? Pivoting away from Byfuglien (around 23 minute mark) to talk a potential return of play this season, asked about how many different scenarios he’s seen? Concern with impact to next fall’s training camp/season? How closely he will be watching next week’s NFL draft which is being held online if that is the way the NHL goes. Missing out on some of the prospect tournaments. Back to Byfuglien (around 28:45 mark) asked about trade talk. What was his reaction to the grievance? How difficult it has been for him given his relationship with Byfuglien dates back to Chicago? When was the last time he spoke to Byfuglien?
