Jets GM confirms Byfuglien is out for season

Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff confirmed Monday that defenseman Dustin Byfuglien won't return in 2019-20, according to The Athletic's Ken Wiebe.

Cheveldayoff also noted that while trading Byfuglien is still possible, he would need to get creative to generate interest from possible suitors, Wiebe adds.

The Jets suspended Byfuglien without pay for failing to report to training camp in September when he was contemplating his future. He hasn't played this season.

The 34-year-old underwent ankle surgery in October for an injury he claims was hockey-related. However, Byfuglien passed his routine physical last April, and therefore the club deemed him healthy.

The veteran tallied 31 points over 42 games with the Jets in 2018-19, adding eight points in six playoff contests.