Dustin Byfuglien made some pretty interesting comments when it came to whether or not he preferred to stay in Winnipeg, over other destinations. Frank Seravalli of TSN asked Byfuglien about Winnipeg he said “I just want to put on a jersey, to be honest with you”. “I don’t mind Winnipeg at all. It’s close to home for me – it’s probably the closest I’ll ever get to play by my home.” Byfuglien will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. The Jets are in a dilemma because team captain Andrew Ladd is also a UFA, and to make matters worse young stars such as Jacob Touba, and Mark Scheifele are coming off cap friendly entry-level contracts. The Jets cannot afford to not pay these young stars. This makes it virtually impossible to sign both Byfuglien and Ladd. Talks with Ladd look somewhat dead, so maybe signing Byfuglien is not out of the question. It sure looks more possible now than it did 6 months ago. Byfuglien is from Roseau, Minnesota, which is about two hours from Winnipeg. He is a small town kid that loves hunting and fishing. I am not insinuating that he will accept a hometown deal, but with many players frowning on the lifestyle in Winnipeg the “Big Buff” just may want that lifestyle.
NHL: Trade Talk – News and Notes
Andrew Ference will not play again this season. It is most likely he will be bought out during the buyout period and it may be the end of his career.
David Staples of the Edmonton Journal thinks the Edmonton Oilers may be able to get a 1st round pick for pending UFA Teddy Purcell. I disagree, I think a late 2nd rounder or later would be a more likely price for him.
I have to think the Oilers are getting close to making a decision on the future of Jordan Eberle and Justin Schultz with the team. They may want to retool with these players.
Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News proposed the Idea that the New York Rangers might be willing to give up Rick Nash or Chris Kreider in a trade for Kevin Shattenkirk. It is also worth noting that Patrick Marleau did list the Rangers as a team he’d be willing to be traded to.
There is a rumbling that the Chicago Blackhawks might have some interest in Teddy Purcell. It would have to be for the right price since General Manager Stan Bowman never overpays.
I am a passionate Pittsburgh Penguins fan from Pittsburgh. I graduated from Sports Management World Wide in Hockey Management and Scouting. I interned with the Wheeling Nailers of the East Coast Hockey League in the Hockey/Business Operations Department. I currently do independent hockey scouting services, blogging and podcasts.