Byfuglien states desire to remain with Jets: 'You never want to leave home'

Save for Steven Stamkos, Dustin Byfuglien could be the most intriguing asset without a contract next season in the NHL.

Though the pair, superstars in their own right, bring contrasting skills to the table, their predicaments jibe.

Byfuglien had to defend his affinity for Winnipeg and the Jets on Tuesday after ruffling feathers with an indecisive reaction to queries pertaining to his future with the organization last Friday at All-Star weekend.

"Yeah, I'd love to (stay)," Byfuglien said, according to TSN's Frank Servalli. "I've met a lot of good people and now some really good friends. I've been here for a long time. You never want to leave home. I've been here long enough; my family has been here and I've had two kids here.

"It's somewhere you don't want to leave."

If the Jets fail to work something out, Byfuglien, 30, will garner considerable interest in the lead-up to the NHL trade deadline and net a lucrative long-term contract - regardless of team - this summer.