Former player who walked away from the game at 33-years-old makes surprising return to the ice
When Dustin Byfuglien walked away from the NHL on his terms he left nearly $14,000,000 on the table. Unlike other players, Big Buff didn't take the long-term injured reserve route, instead he walked away from hockey the way he wanted to. Byfuglien had reportedly been battling injuries through the last few years of his NHL career and finally just decided he was no longer happy.
Byfuglien put his happiness first and on April 17th, 2020, the defender and Winnipeg Jets agreed on the termination of his contract. This surprised many, Buff was no longer going to sit back and accept the payment from the team like so many other players. For Dustin it wasn't about the money, it was about being happy.
When Byfuglien retired he made it clear he had no interest in lacing up his skates again and up until today it appears he's kept to his word. That was until former Jet's captain Andrew Ladd gave him a call.
Maybe there's still time left in the season to sign him.
Ladd shared the following photo on social media of Big Buff making his triumphant return to the ice, something no one could have predicted. Byfuglien was once one of the most menacing defenders on the ice, playing 869 career games scoring 525 career points. Next month Byfuglien turns 38-years-old so it's unlikely he makes a professional comeback, but at least the big guy is back on skates.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Dustin Byfuglien could still play in the NHL? | ||
| If he wanted to he could | 208 | 45 % |
| No, he's too far removed from the game | 171 | 37 % |
| Yes, without a doubt | 83 | 18 % |
| List of polls | ||
