Byfuglien's lukewarm response to questions about Winnipeg raising some eyebrows.
http://www.tsn.ca/byfuglien-gives-lu...nipeg-1.430656
Quote:
Assuming that the dollars and term are equal around the NHL, is his preference to remain in Winnipeg?
Byfuglien’s answer did not exactly sound like a ringing endorsement.
“I just want to put on a jersey, to be honest with you,” Byfuglien said. “I don’t mind Winnipeg at all. It’s close to home for me - it’s probably the closest I’ll ever get to play by home. There’s so many good things that I like about Winnipeg. I can do my outdoor stuff that I love to do.
“I have no problem being up there.”
Byfuglien’s laid-back style can sometimes cloud his intended impact, and it’s dangerous to read too much into one quote. But saying “I have no problem being up there” is different than “I want to be there.”
His response was almost reminiscent of Evander Kane’s vague answers about his interest in Winnipeg prior to last season’s trade. Kane then revealed to The Hockey News last summer that he asked for a trade out of Winnipeg “every offseason.”
The timing of Byfuglien’s comments Friday raised eyebrows, considering reports earlier this week suggested the Jets have pushed aside negotiations with Andrew Ladd on a long-term extension in an effort to focus on brokering a deal with Byfuglien.
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