The Winnipeg Jets have re-signed defenseman Dustin Byfuglien to a five-year, $38-million contract extension, beginning in 2016-17. Byfuglien, 30, was eligible for unrestricted free agency in July.
Jets re-sign Dustin Byfuglien.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byfuglien’s new deal is worth an annual average salary of $7.6 million, giving him the third-highest salary-cap hit among NHL defensemen. It’s a steep price to pay to keep Byfuglien in the fold. The 6’5″, 260-pounder is an undeniable physical presence with a lethal scoring touch. He’s on pace to reach 50 points for the fourth time in six seasons.
While considered among the Jets’ core players, Byfuglien hasn’t been able to lift them into perennial playoff contention. Still, they evidently believe their chances for improvement over the next five seasons are better with him in the lineup. Provided he can avoid a significant decline in his performance over the course of this deal, and if he can help lead the Jets toward playoff contention, it could be a worthwhile deal.
It’ll be interesting to see what effect this signing has upon the contract talks of Jets left wing, captain and pending UFA Andrew Ladd. Having committed big bucks for Byfuglien, will they do the same with Ladd, or decide to shop him before the trade deadline? Keep an eye on his status between now and the Feb. 29 trade deadline.
Byfuglien’s new deal could affect the long-term futures ofTyler Myers and Jacob Trouba with the usually cost-conscious Jets. Myers is under contract through 2018-19 at an annual cap hit of $5.5 million with a modified no-trade clause kicking in next season. Trouba’s coming off an entry-level contract and is reportedly seeking over $7 million annually on an eight-year deal. If the latter doesn’t budge off his asking price, the Jets could consider trading him. They could try moving Tobias Enstrom ($5.25 million through 2017-18), but he’s got a full no-movement clause.
Surprised by the term only being 5 years, the cap hit is high but I am guessing that was the trade of on the years. Jets fans should pray that a similar contract isn’t coming down for Ladd
good signing by the jets especially on the years!!
Good signing, because if his production for some reason starts to decline after a couple of years, by then the Cap Ceiling should be pretty high and his $7.6M will be likely average and can be easily tradable.
We’re headed into a massive recession and the TV deal and outdoor games are already played out after this year. I don’t see how the cap is going to be higher or even flat.
any idea of NMC/NTC?
yes modified NTC in yr 3. Full NMC yrs 1 and 2. Good deal for all.
I like Byfuglien and hope it can provide value throughout the whole 5 years. But he MUST phase out the stupid minor penalties from his game. He’s an influential guy, all while similar penalties runs rampant like a plague and has unfortunately become part of their team identity. As a leader he must change that part going forward. It’s nice to see the Winnipeg fans most popular player can be resigned. Let’s hope the team can improve in other areas and reach the playoffs. The fans sure deserve it.
I believe Byfuglien would have gotten $7M annually on a 5+ year contract as a UFA by another team, so the money was not a surprise. Maybe the extra 600k was a “cold tax”, maybe not.
Well, he should transfer his $7.6M to Canadian Dollars, lol. Which is not bad, $10,592,120.00…hahahaha
I’m glad THAT one is out of the way. Now get Stamkos signed in Tampa and maybe we can focus on realistic UFA possibilities.
Package Ladd and Myers they should get a helpful return.
Now package Trouba and a prospect or a draft pick to New York for Hamonic.
Myers is not going anywhere!! Yes his cap hit is 5.5 mil but his actual salary declines each year going forward and that is very favourable to the Jets who have a self imposed budget. Ladd will go first and then maybe Trouba, but I read today that Trouba is looking for 6 years 6.5 million.
This is his 2nd contract. He has RFA years still left which affects contract negotiations. A realistic annual AAV would be around $5.3-5.5M (with the latter years peaking at $6-6.5M).
Sure his actual amount he’ll make will lessen, but his cap hit will remain $5.5M. Which is not too bad given where the salary cap is and it’s likelihood to keep increasing each year. In about 2 years, his $5.5M will be quite average and attractable for potential trades.
I like Trouba’s game but on what planet does he think he deserves 6.5 a year??? I understand negotiation tactics but you can’t be that unrealistic, especially with zero statistical basis to demand that much. I don’t like this new theme among young players.
I agree
UFA years will cost around $6.5M each to buy, not the RFA years.
Josh Morrassey will fill Trouba’s spot just nicely. No leverage or case for that dough at this time . Maybe a Subban type bridge deal or bye bye bye
Good contract for both sides only issue I have is where Winnipeg is in the standings. They could have traded him to a contender got some picks and prospects then signed him July 1st.
I’m not so sure Winnipeg is in such a strong position to be patient and calculating like that. Teams with the “cold tax” has to jump on the opportunity when presented.
Maybe with Trouba wanting 7 million per in his next deal, he wants out. Just like Hamilton did with Boston. Difference is, Hamilton was way more proven than Trouba