Byfuglien takes leave of absence from team

This is some surprising news this morning coming out of the Winnipeg Jets’ training camp.

The team has announced that it has granted defenseman Dustin Byfuglien a leave of absence.

MEDIA ADVISORY: The Winnipeg Jets announced today that defenceman Dustin Byfuglien has been granted a personal leave of absence from the hockey team. #NHLJets
— Winnipeg Jets PR (@WpgJetsPR) September 13, 2019

The NHL team did not list a reason for the move, but Jets head coach Paul Maurice told TSN Radio 1290 Winnipeg on Friday morning that the defenseman will be “fine, but needed some time.”

“Nothing sinister,” coach Maurice said, adding, however, that there is no timetable for his return.

"He's going to be fine." Maurice on Byfuglien on TSN 1290. No timeline on what he needs his leave for but adds, "Nothing sinister."
— Murat Ates (@WPGMurat) September 13, 2019

A leave of absence is often granted by a team when a player is in grief, having lost a family member, but Maruice’s comments make it seem like it isn’t the case for the veteran blue liner.

Last season, the 34-year-old defenseman had four goals and 27 assists in 42 games last season. Byfuglien has played a total of 869 career NHL games.

We await more details on his absence.