Dreger on Byfuglien: Value to Jets, trade talk, contract outlook

Darren Dreger was on Winnipeg’s TSN 1290 on Tuesday morning.

On how when other NHL teams discuss Dustin Byfuglien - either as a potential trade chip, or signing in 2016 as a UFA – if they see him as more attractive as a forward or a defenceman:

“That’s a great question. Probably as a defenceman, but the fact that he is so versatile just puts him in a almost in a category by himself. He’s a big body guy who has this knack for being in the right place at the right time as a forward with the puck, or as a defenceman who’s not afraid to pinch or skate with the puck. So the fact that he can do a lot of different things and play both of those positions very, very well makes him extraordinarily valuable.

“But every time a Dustin Byfuglien rumour surfaces, I kind of roll my eyes a little bit. Because as valuable as he might be to some other teams around the National Hockey League, he’s that valuable – if not more valuable – to the Winnipeg Jets. So it would take an unbelievable deal for Kevin Cheveldayoff to consider moving Dustin Byfuglien because of what he brings to the Winnipeg Jets.”

On how much term Byfuglien might be looking for, as a big body turning 31, for this next contract, and how interesting this situation could be:

“It certainly is. And hey, Winnipeg is going to approach this honestly. They’re going to have a value and a term of what they think is fair for Dustin Byfuglien. Initially it’s not going to be enough. It never is. But these sorts of negotiations take some time and one thing I know is Winnipeg has great respect for Dustin Byfuglien and they see him as a prime piece of the development of this team. And if the Winnipeg Jets do nail down a playoff spot in this Western Conference this year, they absolutely would look at Dustin Byfuglien as being a key contributor.”

Source: TSN 1290/ Transcript: Nichols on Hockey