Rumours: Big Buff back in the Eastern conference?

See who could be in the mix.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 8 years ago
Rumours: Big Buff back in the Eastern conference?

Dustin Byfuglien will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

His name has been circulating for quite some time now in trade rumours. Many believe that his asking price is too high for the Winnipeg Jets and journalist and insiders are hearing more and more things about Big Buff's possible destination at the trade deadline.

Elliot Friedman from Sportsnet recently argued that two teams playing in the Eastern conference are front runners to acquire Byfuglien from the Jets.

Here's Friedman take on Byfuglien joining the Washington Capitals:

With Brooks Orpik’s health situation uncertain, a couple of sources indicated to check Washington’s interest in Dustin Byfuglien. There’s logic to this, as their cap hits are within $300,000 of each other. Can you imagine the Capitals with him? Anyways, it doesn’t look like this is going to happen. Word is Orpik’s injury is not season-ending. If he was gone until the playoffs (e.g. Patrick Kane last year), I could see Washington trying.

The Sportsbet's insider also mentioned the Florida Panthers,especially with Dale Tallon as the general manager:

Since we’re throwing things at the wall, here’s another: Now that Florida is showing itself to be a playoff contender, it would surprise no one if the Panthers took a run at Byfuglien. GM Dale Tallon was in Chicago when Byfuglien was drafted, and took over the hockey operations as he rose through the organization. He’s a fan. Something to watch for.

The Panthers' general manager loves Big Buff and he has already contacted Jets' GM for sure.

It will be interesting to see how things play out until July 1st for Byfuglien.

[pub]