Defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has started a post-surgery rehabilitation program in consultation with the Winnipeg Jets, according to the Winnipeg Free Press' Mike McIntyre and Jason Bell.
Byfuglien is working with medical staff at an independent clinic, but there's been ongoing communication with the Jets, including recommendations for his treatment, which are being pursued, sources told McIntyre and Bell.
With the two sides working together again, McIntyre and Bell believe it could potentially lead to an on-ice return for the 34-year-old later this season. However, a team spokesperson said Byfuglien's standing with the club is still the same.
"To our understanding, he has progressed to the stage of doing rehab. However, his status with the team remains unchanged," a Jets spokesman said Tuesday. "He is doing rehab at an outside clinic. He is still under suspension."
Byfuglien was suspended by the team without pay in September after he failed to report to training camp as he reportedly mulled retirement. The Minneapolis native then underwent ankle surgery in October. Byfuglien battled multiple lower-body injuries last season but was deemed fully healed following a routine player exit physical in April.
However, Byfuglien's camp is arguing his ankle never fully recovered from last season. If the defenseman had no intention of retiring but was deemed unfit to play to begin the season due to a hockey-related injury, he likely would've been able to collect his salary on long-term injured reserve.
The NHL Players' Association reportedly filed a grievance last month challenging the Jets' suspension of Byfuglien, who is currently being denied his $8 million salary this season (he's also owed $6 million next season). The arbitration hearing still has no set date, according to McIntyre and Bell.
Byfuglien's recovery from surgery was expected to take around four months, which means the Jets could potentially have clarity on his future before the trade deadline. The club would have enough cap space to accommodate his $7.6-million cap hit if he returns.
Sitting in third place in the Central Division, Winnipeg could use the cap space to be big buyers at the deadline if they find out Byfuglien will not be returning in 2019-20. If he decides he wants to play this season, the Jets hold his playing rights.
Even in an injury-riddled campaign, the 6-foot-5, 260-pound blue-liner was still highly effective last season, tallying 31 points in 42 games.
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