Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien will miss Winnipeg's upcoming three-game road trip due to a lower-body injury, per Jets TV host Jamie Thomas. Byfuglien has not suited up for the Jets since Valentine's Day and seemed close to a return before the latest setback.
Winnipeg head coach Paul Maurice said the defenseman will undergo further tests to determine the severity of his injury.
🎥 Paul Maurice provides an update on Dustin Byfuglien's injury, heading into the final stretch, and more. pic.twitter.com/7QtlIDO0wL
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) February 19, 2019
“I’m hopeful it’s not [a long-term injury]," Maurice told reporters. "I’m feeling pretty confident it’s not but the tests are gonna tell us."
Byfuglien, 33, has been limited to just 37 games for the Jets this season due to injury. The four-time All-Star has notched 30 points (four goals, 26 assists) this season while averaging 24:26 minutes of ice time per game.
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The Jets' three-game road trip will take them through Colorado, Vegas and Arizona over the next five days. If Byfuglien's injury is not major, he could return to the lineup on Feb. 26 against the Minnesota Wild at home.
With the trade deadline this upcoming Monday, the Jets will have to see if Byfuglien's injury puts the team in the market for a defender.