RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN JETS, BYFUGLIEN STARTING TO THAW
Big defenceman marches to his own drum, but he’s still integral to the team’s success
It’s funny how a small morsel of information can change the complexion of an otherwise complicated (and messy) situation.
It’s not like the Winnipeg Jets and Dustin Byfuglien kissed and made up in what has appeared to be a rather strained relationship. But a report Tuesday may have shifted the narrative.
Not because the defenceman is in the early stages of his rehab program after self-elected ankle surgery in October. That’s just standard fare when it comes to the healing process.
But it’s the bit that said despite Byfuglien’s rehabilitation process being guided by an independent medical staff, there’s at least some communication, reportedly ongoing, about his treatment.
A tiny morsel, perhaps. But a juicy one and full of flavour, nonetheless. And that’s where the latest development in his ordeal gets rather interesting.
The story is well documented. Byfuglien shows up a week before training camp opens, skates informally with some teammates, and realizes something is wrong.
At first, we were told there was nothing sinister when Byfuglien failed to show up for the first day of camp. He needed time to think some things over. Then we found out he was contemplating his future, perhaps even retirement from the game after 14 seasons.
This was followed by the revelation that, unbeknownst to the Jets, Byfuglien had walked into a surgeon’s office in Minnesota in late October, donned the surgery gown and had his troublesome ankle repaired.
Byfuglien signed off on his clean bill of health following endof-season medicals after the Jets were bounced from the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the first round, so the Jets wouldn’t have suspected anything was amiss.
This was followed by an awkward interview with general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff while the team was on the road in California. Cheveldayoff said nothing of substance when pressed. The reason for that, which was revealed later, was that the NHL had muzzled the organization after assuming the reins with a pending grievance from the NHLPA looming.
That grievance was filed, with Byfuglien looking to recoup the US$8 million he’s owed this season in his contract that was frozen after the Jets suspended Byfuglien without pay for not showing up at camp.
An arbitrator was supposed to hand down a verdict. That hearing, as far as we know, hasn’t yet happened, and perhaps never will.
Byfuglien hasn’t packed up and left Winnipeg. He’s been spotted around town several times.
It’s hard to see him winning any case in arbitration. While speculative, the fact remains Byfuglien declared himself healthy when he signed his yearend medical. So instead of focusing energy there, he can shift to focusing energy on repairing the damage done with the club.
Is it irreparable? Hardly. Hockey is a business of winning.
A healthy and engaged Byfuglien makes the Jets a better team. And if they’re going to make inroads in the playoffs, Byfuglien is a huge piece that would be akin to a trade-deadline acquisition they get for free.
Can the fan base forgive Byfuglien? He did sort of screw the team that shed its entire right side of the blue-line over the summer, effectively hamstringing Cheveldayoff and any attempts at replacing him.
It might be touch and go at first, but the first time Byfuglien delivers a massive hit or bulges the twine, all will be forgiven not long after.
Byfuglien brings a presence to the ice that few can match. Assuming they don’t fall off a cliff between now and April, the Jets seem destined to make the playoffs. Those details will be sorted over the coming months.
Byfuglien, 34, is simply an enigma who marches to the beat of his own drum. The notes don’t always make sense, but that’s what you get.