Winnipeg Jets: How can they replace Dustin Byfuglien?
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien is pondering his future, according to sources. How do the Jets replace him if they need to do so?
After being granted a leave of absence by the Winnipeg Jets, word has broken from Bob McKenzie that Dustin Byfuglien is contemplating hanging up his skates for good. Although he has some wear and tear at 34 years old, it would be somewhat surprising if that happens.
Byfuglien has shown time and time again that he is the mountain that others need to climb if they want to succeed against his team. Seemingly unflappable during the game, it may not be the same off the ice. I for one, am saddened at the thought of it ending.
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
It all started out when the Chicago Blackhawks scouted out a man among boys playing with the Prince George Cougars. During which time, he scored 47 goals and 140 points while amassing 395 penalty minutes over three seasons. They took a chance on him in the 2003 draft.
Since he started playing defense full-time in 2010-11, he has been top-five among all defensemen in goals, points, PIMs (of which he ranks first), powerplay goals, game-winning goals, overtime goals, shots, time on ice and takeaways. He is also in the top 10 in hits.
Byfuglien has scored at least 18 goals four times and if it weren’t for the lockout-shortened season of 2012-13, which he had eight, he would have had seven straight seasons scoring double-digit goals. He has also eclipsed 50 points five times and 45 twice more.
In the playoffs, Byfuglien has shown to be even more lethal in his scoring, as his goals and points per game go up from 0.20 to 0.32 and 0.60 to 0.76 respectively. In other words, he is a monster and pretty much irreplaceable. There may be many tears in Winnipeg.
Now, if Byfuglien does retire, all hope is not lost. I think there are three problems and solutions that could be had.
Related Story. One Reason Each Team Should Be Excited For Next Season. light
Too much uncertainty
It’s bad enough to have this Byfuglien thing hanging over Winnipeg’s head, but it is also staggering that two of their best players, Kyle Connor and Patrik Laine, are literally just sitting out, waiting. Most teams would kill to have that talent, and for the Jets, it’s not even on the ice to be displayed.
Not enough experience on the back end.
Not sure if many are paying attention to the Jets defense, but they are young and inexperienced. Sure, you have Kulikov, who’s nearing 30 years and who has over 600 games under his belt, but who’s next? The still green 29-year-old, Anthony Bitetto and his massive 132 career games?
The Jets don’t have any other defensemen over 30 years old and the most experienced ones are Beaulieau at 332 games and Morrissey at 223. In fact, if you take the remaining six defensemen on the Jets website and combine their experience, it comes to a whopping 48 games per blueliner.
Although the team is big, there’s not a lot of smashing.
Byfuglien has been a staple of smash-mouth of the Jets for years. In fact, for many, you don’t even notice how good it is until it’s gone. The only newcomer, Neal Pionk, cracked 100 hits last season with another team and only Kulikov broke 80 hits last season of those remaining.
Here are my suggestions.
Sign Kyle Connor and Patrik Laine
It sucks to overpay, but that is today’s market for ultra-talented RFAs. The days of bridge deals for players like these are almost gone. You have to get with the program of now. Hopefully the cap will rise, but your stock will certainly fall without them.
Sign Dion Phaneuf?
Listen, I’m not suggesting this is the Dion Phaneuf that the Leafs traded for all those years ago, but he is still what the Jets need. Phaneuf can bring much-needed leadership – just give more minutes to the young ones.
Next. Each NHL Team's Most Important Player. dark
Make a trade
On the other hand, with $7.6 million in new cap space, if you think Phaneuf is done, make a trade. Even if the Jets add Phaneuf, or someone else, a trade is probably necessary to infuse their blueline with more talent and experience.