Winnipeg Jets defenceman Dustin Byfuglien left Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Wild with what appears to be a left leg injury. He will be out until at least the All-Star Break if not longer.
The injury occurred in the third period and Byfuglien did not return to the game. Head coach Paul Maurice provided the update to the media on Sunday.
JUST IN: #WpgJets defenceman Dustin Byfuglien will be sidelined until at least the All-Star Break with a lower-body injury.
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— SportsCentre (@SportsCentre) December 30, 2018
Winnipeg Jets Dustin Byfuglien Injured
The injury was sustained after Byfuglien came into contact with Wild centre Luke Kunin on the end boards. Kunin appears to make contact with Byfuglien’s left knee.
The Wild went on to win the game 3-1. Byfuglien had an assist on the Jets lone goal.
Byfuglien is enjoying an outstanding season thus far, scoring four goals and adding 29 assists in 32 games.
Over his career, he has registered 177 goals and added 346 assists in 859 games.
He was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the eighth round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
Bad News for the Jets
Losing Byfuglien for any amount of time would be a huge blow for the Jets. Byfuglien is a minute eater on the Jets back end averaging 24:39 minutes of ice time per game. He also serves on the Jets top power-play unit as well as on the penalty kill.
If Byfuglien does, in fact, miss some time, Sami Niku will most likely be the player recalled from the Manitoba Moose. Niku has played five games for the Jets so far this season and has yet to register a point.
In 16 games with the Moose, Niku has two goals and six assists.
The Jets next game will be on Monday night where they will play host to the Edmonton Oilers.
WINNIPEG, MB – FEBRUARY 11: Nikolaj Ehlers #27 of the Winnipeg Jets is congratulated by teammates Dustin Byfuglien #33 and Bryan Little #18 for his goal against Tuuka Rask #40 of the Boston Bruins (not shown) in first period action in an NHL game at the MTS Centre on February 11, 2016 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Marianne Helm/Getty Images)
