Photo Credit: Colby Spence
News on the Dustin Byfuglien front via TSN hockey insider Bob McKenzie who tweeted:
As just reported ono @NBCSN, Dustin Byfuglien recently underwent ankle surgery to take care of unresolved issues from the high-ankle sprain he suffered late last season. What that means for his future and whether it could, in time, lead to his return to WPG remains to be seen.
And he added:
It’s certainly premature to say Byfuglien will return to active duty in the NHL this season, but there is a sense if he does feel healthy again, he may be inclined to return at some point.
And this:
It’s believed one of the biggest factors why Byfuglien opted not to play this season is because his ankle was so troublesome. That begs the question, why not report to WPG training camp, go on injured reserve, rehab it or get surgery or whatever and get paid to do so?
As well as this:
Only one person can answer that and, as we know, Byfuglien isn’t too forthcoming on personal info. In any case, Byfuglien getting the surgery may, and I stress the word may, open the door to return at some point. That would be contingent on when or if he feels well. We shall see.
Elliottoe Friedman of Sportsnet chimed in with this:
On Byfuglien: surgery was last week. Recovery expected to take until the New Year — and we’ll see what he decides. This adds an extra layer around his contract situation, too, because he can argue he deserves to be paid while recovering from a legitimate injury.
Russ Hobson from Global added this:
Here’s the statement from the Winnipeg Jets regarding Dustin Byfuglien’s ankle surgery last week in Minnesota…”We were aware he was contemplating having surgery, but were not directly involved in his decision making process.”
So much for an off day for the Jets.
Update (October 31st):
Darren Dreger of TSN provides this regarding a loose timeline:
My understanding is Byfuglien had the surgery in Minnesota last week. Loose timeline on recovery, but could be upwards of 4 months.
He also added this:
NHLPA is in discussions with Byfuglien’s agent, Ben Hankinson and are currently reviewing the case. If it’s determined Byfuglien hurt his ankle playing hockey the financial side of this matter could get complicated.
I suspect that Jets fans, presuming the news is good regarding Byfuglien, will be hoping for Friedman’s timeline as opposed to Dreger’s.
Update II:
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff spoke today in San Jose with all the news swirling about Dustin Byfuglien.
Audio courtesy of TSN 1290 Winnipeg.
