When you tip the scales at 260 pounds (on a light day), and stand 6-foot-5, you probably should be playing a sport other than hockey.
Just don’t tell Dustin Byfuglien that.
Built like a linebacker, 'Big Buff' has developed into one of the most feared and unique players in hockey, all while possessing world class talent.
The former right winger morphed his game from a hulking power right winger into a roving, puck-moving defenceman, and is a minute muncher on the Jets blue line averaging the most icetime on the team at 23:50 minutes per game.
There are few players that combine the skill, size, strength, mobility and nastiness that ‘Big Buff’ brings to the table. One of the most talented hitters and offensive generators from the backend, Byfuglien is a flat out force when he’s on his game.
Whether it’s his incredibly soft hands, or brute strength, or nightmare of a shot, the 32-year-old had wreaked havoc on his opponents for years now, on and off the ice. Just look at this massive sturgeon he caught earlier this season on the Fraser River just outside of Vancouver, B.C with Matt Hendricks.
Byfuglien's strength was on display Wednesday when the Jets hosted their team skills competition in front of their fans at the Bell MTS Centre.
In one of the competitions, the former Chicago Blackhawk did something incredible: He took a puck from centre ice, walked in, and wired right inside the hash marks using only his right hand.
Incredible. Just listen to the reaction of the Jets faithful
It’s amazing he’s able to generate that much power, let alone wire it top shelf. That poor goalie didn’t have a chance. Sometimes, you have to just tip your cap to the talent of a professional athlete.
Byfuglien cleaned up the hardest shot competition for the third straight season with a winning score of 98.3 MPH. He fell just short of his time of 101.3 MPH he posted in last year’s event.
In 45 games with the Jets this season, the Roseau, Minnesota product has 3 goals and 22 assists in 45 games. With the Jets about to embark on their second post-season run since they've returned to Winnipeg, if there's anyone built for the playoffs on their roster, it's Byfuglien. He played a key role in helping the Blackhawks capture the 2010 Stanley Cup with 16 points in 22 playoff games, and has 43 career playoff games under his belt.
(h/t Winnipeg Jets TV)
