Report: Byfuglien not likely to return this season

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has yet to resume skating and the "most likely" outcome is he doesn't play this season, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

In this case, Byfuglien's future would be re-visited in the summer.

Byfuglien has yet to play this campaign. He was suspended without pay by the Jets for failing to report to training camp as he reportedly mulled his future. The 34-year-old underwent ankle surgery in October for an injury his camp is arguing was a hockey-related ailment from last season that never fully healed. However, Byfuglien was deemed fully healthy by the Jets after passing his routine end-of-season physical last April.

The NHLPA filed a grievance on his behalf, arguing that he should be getting paid this season as any player on long-term injured reserve would. However, Byfuglien hasn't received any money since he's remained suspended.

The defenseman reportedly began a post-surgery rehab program in consultation with the Jets in December. However, that rehab program has yet to see him hit the ice.

Winnipeg's salary-cap situation has essentially been on hold awaiting Byfuglien's decision. The Jets have room to accommodate the blue-liner and his $7.6-million cap hit if he does return this season, but general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is free to use that cap room prior to the Feb. 24 trade deadline if he receives word the rearguard won't return.

Byfuglien, who is signed through next season, was productive in 2018-19, tallying 31 points in 42 games.

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