NHLPA files grievance challenging Dustin Byfuglien’s suspension by Jets

Winnipeg Jets defenceman Dustin Byfuglien. (John Woods/CP)

The NHLPA has filed a grievance challenging Dustin Byfuglien’s suspension by the Winnipeg Jets, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

The veteran defenceman was suspended by the team for failing to report to training camp.

Friedman reported earlier this month that the situation between the Jets and Byfuglien could end up in arbitration. The Jets said that the 34-year-old was deemed fit to play after his 2018-19 season-ending physical, he didn’t indicate he was dealing with an ankle injury during the summer and made it clear at the beginning of the year he was ready to retire.

But it was announced at the end of October that Byfuglien underwent surgery for a high-ankle sprain and will not be available to play until the new year, at the earliest.

Byfuglien is in the second-last season of a five-year, $38-million contract with the Jets. He is scheduled to earn $8 million this season and $6 million next, but due to his suspension by the team, he hasn’t collected any of his salary.

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