As the Winnipeg Jets push towards the playoffs they will be without all-star defenceman Dustin Byfuglien. The NHL department of player safety has decided to suspend the defenceman for the next four games for his actions in the game against the New York Rangers on Tuesday. Byfuglien violently cross-checked J.T. Miller of the Rangers in the head and neck area while Miller was lying prone on the ice in front of the Jets net.
The Following is the full press release which we have received today from the National Hockey League.
Dustin Byfuglien suspended 4 games
NEW YORK – Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has been suspended for four games, without pay, for cross-checking New York Rangers forward J.T. Miller during NHL Game No. 1148 in Winnipeg on Tuesday, March 31, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.
The incident occurred at 17:20 of the second period.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and based on his average annual salary, Byfuglien will forfeit $111,827.96. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
For a full explanation of the decision, complete with video, please click on the following link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=60&id=797504&lang=en.
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Byfuglien has 18 goals and 27 assists for 45 points in 68 games so far this season. He was the Jets lone representative at the 2015 NHL All-Star Game, held earlier this year in Columbus, Ohio.
The Winnipeg Jets will play the Vancouver Canucks, Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, and Colorado Avalanche in their next four games, with only the game against Vancouver being played in Winnipeg. Byfuglien will be eligible to return for the Jets final game of the regular season, when they will host the Calgary Flames.
The Jets currently sit at 90 points and are in the second wild-card position. They are two points ahead of the Los Angeles Kings for the final Western Conference playoff spot.
