Note: This is day 38 since the NHL and AHL hit the pause button on their respective 2019-20 seasons.
Note II: The NHL announced Friday morning that the Jets and Dustin Byfuglien’s camp had agreed to a mutual termination of contract. A few hours later Jets GM GM Kevin Cheveldayoff held a conference call which you can listen to in full here. His wife Emily Byfuglien penned a heartfelt post to the Jets organization and the City of Winnipeg which you can read here.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: An enigma to the end, Byfuglien will always be loved in Winnipeg. I really don’t think there will ever be a more popular player to wear a Jets uniform.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence
Winnipeg Sun: The Dustin Byfuglien saga came down to one, simple truth: the man’s heart was no longer in it. When you hear the stories about number 33 from when he was drafted to the present it really should come as no surprise that he goes out on his own terms.
Winnipeg Free Press: Most memorable goals scored by the Winnipeg Jets since returning to the NHL. (Paywall). Mike and company put some work into this list. And the best part about these lists is you can compare how you’d rank the goals and maybe add a couple that you see as more deserving.
Winnipeg Free Press: Big Buff leaves Jets with package of greatest hits. (Paywall). Just putting out some of the crazy hits or his last regular season goal on twitter yesterday had folks going crazy for what 33 was able to do while wearing a Winnipeg uniform.
Winnipeg Free Press: Goaltending, offensive skill kept defensively challenged Jets alive. (Paywall). While the theme of Friday was Dustin Byfuglien here is an article that covers the Jets just as the pandemic hit.
The Athletic Winnipeg: What made Dustin Byfuglien Winnipeg’s one-of-a-kind talent. (Paywall – 90 day free option). Ken wrote about the big man, who was from my reading of the fanbase, the most popular player to have worn a Jets 2.0 jersey.
Sportsnet: Why Byfuglien will always have a special place in Winnipeg Jets history. First shift of the first exhibition game was enough to get the man’s name written in as fan favourite for life.
TSN: Byfuglien’s bitter breakup with Jets will fade with time. There is no doubt it tarnished his legacy but at the same time it is pretty clear that the overwhelming number of fans have already left that in the past.
Jets video:
TSN: Byfuglien walks away from big pay day but will be remembered as Jets fan favourite. After nearly a decade with the franchise, the Jets and defenceman Dustin Byfuglien have agreed to a mutual contract termination, bringing an end to a strained relationship. Gino Reda, Frank Seravalli and Sara Orlesky discuss the legacy he leaves behind and where he could end up playing next season, if he chooses to continue his career.
Sportsnet: Will teams still try to sign to Byfuglien? Chris Johnston joined Tim and Sid to discuss what’s next for Dustin Byfuglien now that he and the Winnipeg Jets have parted ways.
Sportsnet: Dustin Byfuglien’s contract terminated with Winnipeg Jets | Instant Analysis. Arash Madani and Elliotte Friedman break down the NHL & NHLPA’s announcement of the termination of Dustin Byfuglien’s contract with the Winnipeg Jets.
Sportsnet: Why Versteeg will be shocked if Byfuglien EVER plays again. Recently retired NHLer, and former teammate of Dustin Byfuglien, Kris Versteeg joins HC to discuss why he’d be shocked to see “Big Buff” ever lace them up again in the NHL.
Sportsnet: Looking back at Dustin Byfuglien’s best moments with the Winnipeg Jets. With his time in Winnipeg officially coming to an end, Sean Reynolds looks back at some of the best moments in Dustin Byfuglien’s amazing career with the Jets.
Jets audio:
TSN 1290 Winnipeg: The Afternoon Ride. Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff discusses today’s announcement of a mutual contract termination with Dustin Byfuglien.
TSN 1050 Toronto: Ferraro on the Wonderlic on the future of Dustin Byfuglien. TSN Hockey Analyst Ray Ferraro joined the OverDrive boys earlier today so he and the boys could get into the NFL’s Wonderlic test with the NFL draft coming up next week. As well the boys chat on Dustin Byfuglien’s future in hockey & if we will ever see him back on the ice.
Moose video:
Manitoba official site: Chat with a trio of Moose Dmen. Austin caught up with the trio of young Dmen including Logan Stanley, Leon Gawanke & Johnathan Kovacevic to find out what they have been up to during the pause.
NHL news:
Sportsnet: New Hampshire governor says he’s discussed neutral site games with NHL. While I agree the idea is interesting what an ordeal it is going to be just to get all the players back together.
