Pros To Signing Byfuglien
Dustin Byfuglien is an absolute freak of nature.
One of the most naturally gifted defensemen to ever play this great game, the guy is an absolute human highlight-reel.
Boasting superhuman size and strength, a high hockey IQ, a dazzling array of skill and an absolute bomb of a shot, Byfuglien has all the tools in his locker and he’s got the impressive resume to match.
Splitting his career to date so far between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Winnipeg Jets, not forgetting a brief spell as an Atlanta Thrasher before they relocated to Winnipeg, Byfuglien was a regular in the postseason.
He was a key cog in the Blackhawks team that won the Stanley Cup in 2009-10, contributing 16 points (11 goals, five assists) in 22 postseason outings, while he led the Jets to various postseason appearances.
In total, Byfuglien has recorded 525 points (177 goals, 348 assists) in 869 NHL career games, in addition to 21 goals and 29 assists for 50 points in 66 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
That kind of track record speaks for itself.
Then there is the superhero-like physical attributes to consider.
Shaped more like an NFL Linebacker, Byfuglien is an absolute monster and he plays like one too, making full use of his hulking 6’5″, 260 lb frame.
Able to take opponents out with bone-jarring hits, Byfuglien’s sheer power can be overwhelming and it is no surprise that he can ragdoll guys around the ice with ease.
Just as intimidating as his superhuman strength is his hammer of a shot, which is built upon a quick and deadly release.
Able to rip home a one-timer or slap a bomb of a shot from the point, Byfuglien is a proven potent weapon and he’s good for at least 30-40 points a year, even at this stage of his career.
Not just a one-trick pony, either, Byfuglien can also move for a big man and he’s not just all brawn, combining an incredible hockey IQ with a boatload of skill that makes him a rare talent.
Plus, when you consider the wealth of experience he would bring to the table for any team, it is not hard to work out why he would be an attractive option for most teams in the NHL, including the Golden Knights.
Able to eat minutes for fun, he averaged 24:22 minutes of ice time per game in 2018-19, Byfuglien would be the absolute horse on the blueline that the Knights crave.
He would slot into their top four immediately, thus automatically adding more depth to a solid blueline that only has one bonafide star in Shea Theodore.
An elite quarterback on the power play too, coupled with a wealth of postseason experience, Byfuglien would tick a lot of boxes for the Golden Knights and could even push them over the top for a championship.
And, last but not least, Byfuglien can also play as a forward if needed making him a valuable asset in overtime or if the Knights are trying to make it a tied game late with an extra skater out on the ice.
However, there are more than a few question marks to consider…