Signs continue to point to the Winnipeg Jets and defenseman Dustin Byfuglien coming to terms on a long-term extension that will keep Big Buff in Winnipeg for the foreseeable future. On Monday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman added to that notion, suggesting that the Jets are making "a big run" at re-signing Byfuglien.
"They're in the middle of negotiations right now, and there's at least some belief that could happen soon," Friedman said, while appearing on Calgary's Sportsnet 960, via Today's Slap Shot.
Per Friedman, the Jets may be able to get away with a term of just five years, though in all likelihood any extension Byfuglien signs will be for six seasons. Despite his advancing age - Byfuglien is now 30 - his unique skillset and explosive athleticism and, at times, dynamic offensive abilities afford the Jets an on-ice presence they simply wouldn't be able to find elsewhere.
Reports had initially indicated that if any of the Jets' impending free agents, like Byfuglien, captain Andrew Ladd and restricted free agent-to-be, Jacob Trouba, were to be dealt, it'd probably be Byfuglien. But in recent days the tone of talk coming out of Winnipeg changed and it now sounds like Byfuglien is Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff's priority.
As for Ladd, while his days may very well be numbered - hello, Panthers - Friedman suggests that there's not that much ground to be made up between the two sides at this point. If more compromises can be made - a big "if" - Ladd may not be headed elsewhere either.
