Winnipeg Jets and Dustin Byfuglien agree to a mutual termination of contract

It is hard to believe that it has reached this point but the NHL made it official today when they confirmed that the Jets and Dustin Byfuglien’s camp had agreed to a mutual termination of contract.  There were two years (this season included) left on the five-year extension the parties had signed back on February 8th, 2016.

A quick look back at pertinent dates in 2019-20:

Sept 11:  Dustin Byfuglien approaches GM Kevin Cheveldayoff about not playing this season.

Sept 12:  Cheveldayoff went to Byfuglien’s house to discuss situation further.

Sept 13:  Granted a leave of absence.

Sept 18:  Bob McKenzie says Byfuglien pondering future.

Sept 21:  Jets suspend Byfuglien in procedural move.

Oct 3:  Byfuglien’s agent called Chevledayoff that 33 wanted to play but wanted surgery on ankle.

Oct 30:   Bob McKenzie says Byfuglien underwent ankle surgery.

Nov 2:   Elliotte Friedman says it is heading to arbitration.

Nov 20: NHLPA files grievance on behalf of Byfuglien.

Dec 17:  Mike McIntyre & Jason Bell report Byfuglien rehabbing in consultation with Jets.

Jan 8:  Darren Dreger says Byfuglien has reached point where it is time to test ankle on ice.

Feb 3: Frank Seravalii indicates parties are working towards mutual termination of contract.

Feb 20:  Frank Seravalii reports that the Jets are looking for trade partners.

Today: NHL announces the parties have agreed to a mutual termination of contract.

Didn’t see this as the conclusion when these two signed that deal.  According to Frank Seravalii Dustin Byfuglien did not receive any compensation from the Jets which means he walked away from the remaining 14 million dollars on the contract.  Byfuglien is now a free agent.

Plenty more to come including a conference call with Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff at 11:30 AM.  Update:  You can listen to it here.