Please note that this is only my opinion
Yes, I'm aware that they are the oldest team. Yes, I'm aware Ehlers is missed. Yes, I know we're not a sexy destination for rich, whiny players; however, there comes a time when you stop and realize that maybe most of these issues that have plagued the team since at least 2019 is because of the departure of one Dustin Byfuglien.
He was an absolute unit of a player. Strong, mobile, physical and a true leader on the ice. The heart and soul of the Jets. The image of him dragging two Vegas players during the 2018 playoffs is become iconic within the team and fans. (Sidenote: one of the players dragged is current Jets player Colin Miller)
His body, however, was also his enemy. Bad knees forced him to quietly call it a career in 2020, and he's been enjoying it by becoming a competitive fisher. He also still lives in Winnipeg.
We haven't had a player here with this type of leadership since and probably never will again. I still attest that he should've been captain instead of Wheeler.
I'm not assuming that one man is responsible for all the issues plaguing a team or organization as I have mentioned in the beginning of this post (as I said most); yet, it's not a crime to sit and think if maybe he still haunts us because we let him go?
Don't know, what do y'all think?
8 comments
Byfuglien was one of the most fascinating and dynamic players of his generation. I ran him right up there with Subban as players I’d have loved to have seen have a full career on a good god damn team.
I think there is no such thing as curses.
It feels like at the end he became aware of how byfuglien he was and his don’t give a fuck level jumped off the rails… so he went home.
kinda like how shayne corson had such a reputation as a team guy that he was blinded by himself and didn’t realize he was acting in a way that had a negative impact in his last season
He lives in Minnesota. My kids go to school with his kids. So no he’s not haunting the Jets
That off-season was *horrific* for the Jets – lost Byfuglien, Trouba, and Myers. Got back Pionk.
his name has fugli in it?
I don’t know how losing him could possibly haunt the Jets. Even if he hadn’t retired when he did, do you think he’d still be a productive player at 40?
No, he’s not haunting the jets. He just made a very logical decision after head injuries that he made enough money to retire from the game and still be there for his family. That’s it. A great decision in my eyes.