What Happened to Dustin Byfuglien?

[@XBoysAtWorkX]

Buff got everything he needed and wanted. He only had things to lose to stay in the league. Now he is fishing with his kids. He's an honest normal guy who just wants to spend time with his family while he is still healthy. Be happy for him.

[@DropthePuckHockey]

That’s a good point!

[@CantdoitWontdoit]

I heard he owns a trucking company? Or few trucks ; which is awesome! As a Winnipeger; he deserves all his peace and happiness and I’m no jets fan but that franchise needs a jersey retirement or a night tribute for the guy. Did so much for the city

[@oozyalmond7079]

@@CantdoitWontdoit Ever since he had the surgery, the franchise (like owner and gm) forgot about him. And did not care. His only ever appearance after was a video played on jumbotron to congratulate blake wheeler on 1000 games. When he appeared, every fan was super happy and excited. We need a tribute.

[@ih8momjokes1]

some poeple say he's dumb for turning down 14 mil, but he's smart for realizing there's so much to do with life not to need that 14 mil.

[@darrionroberts4100]

Miss him here in Winnipeg. Great all around defenseman. Bone crushing hits and could score 50 points a year. Wish him the best in his life after hockey.

[@DropthePuckHockey]

For sure man, so fun to watch!

[@jessemacneil2723]

I miss him too. He was awesome

[@mollysgrama]

he was an asset in the locker room as well.

[@AphelionBeach]

When's jets gonna retire his #

[@addisontop]

As a jets fan living in winnipeg I sincerely hope hes happy and healthy and living life to his standards. I will always always always miss him for the excitment he brought to the game. Always wishing the best for him in times like this when we reminisce

[@joeybagadonuts5774]

I loved this guy. As Hawks fan, it was so impressive what he did in the 2010 run and how the team utilised him. He would have been absolutely terrifying to play against at any level. "Where's Buff"? That had to be a common question. He retired on his own terms. 👊

[@dominicpardo4783]

Huge mistake letting him go by trade. Vancouver never would have beaten the Hawks in 2011 had he stayed.

[@gaff736]

Talked to him last month at the tackle shop I work at. He's doing well. Just enjoying time with the family and fishing in the summer.

[@waterboxer87]

I liked watching Byfuglien play even though he was on the opposing team. I could hear bones crunching when he hit a player. He was certainly a unique player.

[@DropthePuckHockey]

No doubt about that, so fun to watch !

[@OlivetheDoge]

As a leafs fan. Big buff was always one of my favorite players. Definitely miss him in the leauge, he was a rare breed. Hope he's enjoying himself though, and the people closest to him.

[@kevinmcleod3741]

This man the big buff was a fan fav and one of my own favorites ! Loved this guy ! Didn't matter to me what team he played for I was excited to watch him play ! Sad to see you go son but you more than I know when it's your time to stop . What a hockey presence he had ! You will be missed my friend but not FORGOTTEN!!!!!

[@josephpetrizzojr5340]

Good move on Dustin he's Retired & living happy with his kid's good for him, good luck Dustin in your Retirement he went out with his head on straight & no brain problems.

[@steventalbott6066]

The guy was a unicorn on skates. Thanks for making this

[@DropthePuckHockey]

No doubt man, and thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed!

[@thomasofearth3183]

Good on Buff for staying true to himself. Such a beast on the ice.

[@madcamdisease]

As a Canucks fan I hated him when he was with Chicago. Hed just park in front of Luongo and deflect goals in all day long. Definitley warmed up to him when he moved to Winnipeg. Awesome player

[@NHLinden]

Exactly the same for me hahaha frikin oaf infront of our net.

[@valkenfriesen1801]

As a Jets fan I totally understand why any other team and their fans would hate him, after fearing him.

[@brycenpenner949]

Well yes lol he was an absolute unit of a player

[@tenniswilliam]

Byfuglien was like Lindros - very scary power player. Very few NHL pkayers are like that

[@not2tees]

Most fans miss him but wish him all the best in his retirement. He was magnificent in his prime!

[@DARK24-7]

Buff was my fave player and he played for my fave team!!! I really miss him crushing hits, and the Jets really miss him!!!

[@chriskonrad3713]

The Jets miss him so much! The team has had no real identity since he left.. I hate how he did it, but i am just sad he's no longer a Jet.

[@undersiege1346]

As a Hawks fan thanks for helping them win the cup again. I loved the way you played the game. Thank you.

[@scottym9778]

With the Hawks, he single handedly won that Sharks series.....I'll never forget that.

[@SkateQrew]

Was expecting some kind of answer from this video....

[@SRSpoony]

1 of the best players of all time, for the place he was drafted and what he brought to the game he was an outstanding pick, player and person he is the reason my son now plays hockey and wants to be like him

[@DropthePuckHockey]

That’s awesome, he was a beast of a player

[@SRSpoony]

@@DropthePuckHockey yeah damn straight he was n my son is already playing like him now. Backing up his team scoring goals making plats but playing on D and my kids is massive too.

[@briangraham540]

I think since Big Buff left the jets have never been the same in the defence area PUS he was a crowd pleaser, a joy to watch, brought excitement to Hockey and guys like this you cannot replace, so where ever you are Buff you earned it, and do not owe Winnipeg anything and you gave it all when you played for us !

[@MotoLife94]

He is really missed by everyone, not only the Jets and fans of the team!!

[@DropthePuckHockey]

For sure !

[@kevinmcleod7580]

Definitely missed ! Greatest in the NHL of all clean hits ! Wish he just played again and I don't care of any team ! Super fan of his . 👋

[@johngranted2169]

Big Buff, You have made this hockey fan proud. You played physical aggressive hockey. Enjoy your retirement and thanks for helping my Black Hawks win the Stanley cup.

[@nicktick3000]

Him and Kane were the reason I loved the Hawks. Once he left and went to Winnepeg I started cheering for my hometown team but continued to cheer for big Buff as a player.

[@DaMarco1400]

Kickass Badass HOCKEY PLAYER!!! I am a Hawks fan and loved seeing with the red jersey on working the game the way he knew how!! TOP PLAYER!!

[@bobsyoruncle4583]

Winnipeg won't forget you Big Buff and I know all Jets fans wish you and your family the best - thank you for all those great moments.

[@brianmiddleton1845]

I think he knew what was about to happen in the world and wanted to be with his family.

[@qelip]

As a bigger kid that played more of a skillzy style I was always compared to byfuglien and I have to say I LOVED IT he was an awesome player

[@DropthePuckHockey]

That’s awesome!

[@thecount1001]

i can't believe how well he could skate. no one his size should be able to skate that well. very unique.

[@jump312]

always loved watching him come on the ice.

[@bdbdkdfotbrveiw]

Honestly I havent seen people talk about this either - He is a BIG fuckin dude, and what comes with that size is advanced wear and tear. He played 10 years, got what he wanted and got out before his body was completely wrecked. Good on the guy

[@albinsteen26]

In summary: "We have no idea. But he was a extraordinary player"

[@celticstephenhill]

High ankle sprain...no more passion for the game. Bad combo.

[@DropthePuckHockey]

Exactly haha! Thank you

[@ryanfhaupt]

Heis fishing living life !!

[@timcastleman3427]

Right? I was expecting at least a little more coverage about the ankle issue and the back and forth between him and the team vs a highlight reel.

[@alu.304]

Big Buff is slayin' Walleyes on Mille Lacs now.

[@davekilberg8276]

As a canucks fan... we lost against Chicago the year they won it! At the time I couldn't stand Byfuglien... only cause the fact Van didn't know how to defend or get the puck past this guy!! Looking at his story... Big Buf went through a lot, and it all started with being honest with himself... mad respect for this dude!

[@DropthePuckHockey]

He had a really cool path to the nhl, very inspirational!

[@tuckersdadnb]

Happy Retirement Buf !! Class act. Was always in control of his destiny

[@mattlacasse5828]

Bingo. That's exactly what I gathered from this video.

[@ALTDOK667]

How does one get BUFFLIN out of BYFUGLIEN?

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

The Jets died with him after the 2018 playoff run and he bounced.

[@xmwxmorris]

Was playing nhl 22 yesterday and big buff is on the blues?? What am I missing? Why is he in the game if he’s retired??? Nice video by the wat

[@DropthePuckHockey]

Haha that’s wild, but thank you !

[@CP-gh9xn]

Jets have been sorely lacking any real presence on defense since he bailed. dude had a missle for a slapshot too.

[@DropthePuckHockey]

No doubt about it

[@Ruuku1]

wish you included the time he came to camp at like a 300+

[@trugrit7210]

You didn't mention his stepfather is Dale Smedsmo. A former WHA player who also played a few games in the NHL.

[@DropthePuckHockey]

Good point

[@JordieG8]

There is likely never be another one like him. I miss watching him immensely.

[@loganm.144]

I remember the game where he pulled 2 players out of a scrum and they both backed down. Scary dude

[@DropthePuckHockey]

Ik man he was awesome

[@mikedoyle7300]

I wish him well. To bad he didn't play longer.

[@Shakerroo]

Like everyone who posted I was in awe of big buff. I will never forget a reporter who stated that buff pulls up on almost every hit he dealt out. If he hit at 100% guys would have been hospitalized! We will never know all the facts around his final year and the injury. The Jets have yet to recover from that chain of events. Despite that I have nothing but love and respect for him, as do all Jets fans!

[@DropthePuckHockey]

That’s true, and it’s pretty wild haha! Was the heartbeat of that team no doubt !

[@kizpaws]

We do really miss Big Bad Buff!! Happy retirement, big guy! ♥

[@kairnfox2372]

Came to a fishing derby in my reserve last summer and you could say he was done for, when you saw him

[@frankhaula]

Wym? Drunk and overweight?

[@evopigeau]

Done for? How what did you see?

[@kairnfox2372]

@@evopigeau very overweight

[@spenny9274]

I played travel hockey because I was also shit as far as a student. I’m thankful I was able to go that route every day. Without playing more competitive hockey, I would of really been at a loss. 🙏🏻

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

Great 👍 hockey 🏒 player ...Force to reckon with ...multiple talents as player

[@malcomlovejoy]

ONLY guy I saw at that time wasnt scared of Chris Pronger,hated to play against him, always wished he'd been a Flyer

[@funkycedarsterrycoleman7811]

his time with the Hawks was a lot of fun

[@airdave1961]

Enjoy yourself Man. Miss watching you Crush!

[@Mark1958-wwjd]

The hit on Chris Pronger in the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals against Philly was the defining moment of the series. He hit him in the corner and Pronger went horizontal against the boards and crashed to the ice. To Big Buff, it was liked flicking off a flea. At that moment, we Chicago fans knew we had won the series. Pronger had been our nemesis dating back to his St. Louis Blues days. When I saw that hit and saw Pronger cascade to the ice, I knew, we had the big dog on our side this time. Everything was going to be fine. Big Buffs departure after 2010 was stan Bowman's single biggest mistake as a GM in my opinion. (Save for the Kyle Beach fiasco) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKOlk3uGpNapZpo

[@ethanparker7900]

What an icon the jets and their fans had and hopefully they retire his number sooner rather than later.

[@thequestlivetolearntolive.8555]

When is his movie coming out?

[@DropthePuckHockey]

Haha ikr I’d watch it for sure

[@one7decimal2eight]

Dude, Roseau is near Canada. Not even close to Minneapolis. Probably a good 4-6 hours away.

[@DropthePuckHockey]

That’s my bad, I thought they were closer

[@den8863]

It’s actually pretty close to Winnipeg. Where he ended his career.

[@patstevens1913]

I love this guy and the Jets

[@jeremyrosenthal2911]

The jets doctor told buff his foot was ok and didn't need surgery to keep him in the playoffs in the off-season buff found out that was not true and did indeed need surgery jets did him dirty he could not get over this thats why buff quit.... he was a badass hockey player 😎

[@Krusty-kl5ej]

I remember the game it happened before Christmas that season, and as the season began to sink for the Jets, they sacrificed his career with their poor medical follow up. Had they done that, and had his surgery been properly done that next January, I’ll bet he’d still be playing today.

[@bobbyhulll8737]

He re injured it in the off season

[@steveanthrop8475]

Hated it when the Hawks dealt him. One of my faves.

[@DropthePuckHockey]

Such a unique player, no one else like him

[@PageMarker1]

Salary Cap. So goes Panarin, so goes Teraveinan, so went Saad. Trading Yokihairu for Nylander another mistake.

[@ethanparker7900]

why? They won 2 more cups after he left and buff himself played a much bigger role with winnipeg than he ever could've with the hawks given they prioritized guys like toews, kane, keith, bolland, sharp and hossa over others. If the hawks hadn't dealt him the other 2 cups may not have happened cause those 2 teams wouldn't be the exact same and when you win cups you need every little thing to align

[@steveanthrop8475]

@@ethanparker7900 Reread what I said. Nothing to do with how it affected the team. HE WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITES. Does that help, or are you still unable to comprehend what you read?

[@ethanparker7900]

@@steveanthrop8475 well guess what, it isn't about favorites or nostalgia, its a business and it is for the best in the long term growth so quit whining like a little bitch cause y'all got 2 more cups and a presidents trophy and 3 straight conference finals without him

[@Koof009]

If you came here to try see why byfuglien retired. You can go to another vid. This is just his story and at the end it says "we will never know why he retired"

[@devinkurant]

Did he ever officially announce his retirement

[@DropthePuckHockey]

I don’t think so officially, but he also never made a statement publicly at all

[@Scopedoper]

Didn’t seem like he was ever the same after the collision with Oleksiak, he could barely get off the ice, maybe concussion related?

[@DropthePuckHockey]

A couple different injuries in all likelihood

[@warrengauthier4699]

He retired at the ripe old age of 34.

[@ryanc9888]

He made $64,762,805 dollars and won a Stanley Cup. Not bad lol

[@DropthePuckHockey]

Ikr

[@weatherwatchTX]

Buff scored on me from the red line in training camp at Prince George..Needless to say, I did not make the team lol

[@DropthePuckHockey]

That’s unreal haha!

[@Krusty-kl5ej]

What happened? Jets team management put him back in the lineup with a broken ankle, and ended his career by not getting proper treatment and recovery. The Jets were on a skid that spring and management put Buff back in too early and with out necessary surgery. The injury was officially listed as a high ankle sprain, and the team medical unit misdiagnosed the problem. Buff ended up getting an operation after they exited from the playoffs. Given his outdoor lifestyle, it's likely he quit to keep himself healthy for it.

[@sahilarora241]

Go jets i cried so much when he retired

[@MseaStormmy]

No i was happy, When you pay for a Dman and get a a guy who cant decide if hes a forward and hates working. Yah he can go. You all must watch dif games than i do all i ever saw buff do was give up a 2 on 1

[@tylerarnold943]

I can still feel the hit on mark stone.

[@bobbyhulll8737]

Loved Buff a one of a kind player unfortunately they way he left really set the team back as decisions were made based on him being there .

[@suprekoolio1227]

Jets lost their way after Buff left. He was the leader and should have been the Captain.

[@DropthePuckHockey]

I agree

[@GOCHIEFSJMB]

Wish this guy was in Atlanta before the Thrashers became the Jets!! Please bring NHL back to Georgia Someone!!! Damnit!! Only city to lose 2 franchises . Sad fan base here in Atlanta. I'm from KC so guess I always have my Blues to cheer for. Congrats Buff. Enjoy retirement

[@CobaltNorthernStudios]

should be in hall of fame

[@MrKNOSBIGD]

wish he had've waited one year and signed with the Leafs..... With our offence and his physical presence coupled with all others we already have IT WOULD BE PRETTY MUCH as close to a PERFECT STORM for a CUP.

[@TheBoomtown4]

He made 60 Mil USD over his career it says. It’s not like he’s leaving opportunity on the table. He’s a smart guy bailing, got life figured out!

[@kaz1552]

Hockey isn’t hockey without buff

[@DropthePuckHockey]

No doubt

[@Mateo-kk9nx]

Miss Buff Man!!

[@DropthePuckHockey]

Same here, he was one of a kind!

[@z9944x]

same as weber and same that carey price will do.... NHL career should be 10 years MAX

[@arcsine]

More and more looking like Jets window closed when Byfuglien left. I mean part of it is league-worst coaching in Paul Maurice and the 'draft-and-letRotInPressBox' strategy of Jets - but can't deny that Buff retiring was a very tangible loss. Even as he aged he was a smart enough player to carry a 1st or 2nd D pairing. People point to Trouba and while I agree it was a major loss the Byfuglien one hits more.

[@cubbiepulls]

Wish the hawks could’ve kept him they prob would’ve gone back to back in 2010&2011

[@DropthePuckHockey]

True

[@ethanparker7900]

they won 2 more cups without him so it shouldn't matter anymore and there is no way anyone was beating boston in 2011 given how tim thomas played

[@chriseaston1392]

He is greatly missed.was the top defensemen of his era.always welcome in my home,or should i say room,its pritty small.

[@kosmicwizard]

Can't believe he left 14M on the table, he should have just taken ltir for the last 2 years of his contract.

[@joeg3741]

Why? If you have your needs covered, what does it matter? He had the good fortune to have as much as he needed

[@dilafolay621]

Roseau is nowhere near Minneapolis.... It's like 7 hours away from the Twin Cities by car.

[@DropthePuckHockey]

Yeah my bad on that one, should have checked

[@dilafolay621]

@@DropthePuckHockey It's okay, this Minnesotan more than forgives you. You might've gotten it confused with Roseville, which is right next to Minneapolis. But at any rate, no biggie. Buffs was a still a Minnesotan.

[@joeg3741]

I thought he was born in twin cities and moved to Roseau

[@njt002]

Buffy looks like a big, cuddley teddy bear.

[@mikepurdue7472]

I miss this guy.

[@davenc8527]

Byfuglien was the Nick Kyrgios of hockey.

[@DropthePuckHockey]

I like that comparison a lot

[@GCHG2014]

Still waiting for you to answer "what happen."

[@DropthePuckHockey]

Sorry, no one really knows fully, I wish there was a more definitive answer

[@steveb2948]

Good video

[@DropthePuckHockey]

Thank you !

[@charlesgibson4906]

He's the main character.

[@alelectric2767]

He grew up closer to Winnipeg than Minneapolis. Roseau is close to the Canadian border. But whatever.

[@DropthePuckHockey]

Yeah that’s my bad lol, should have checked more to see

[@alelectric2767]

@@DropthePuckHockey 🤷‍♂️👍

[@karlcooper7016]

I know this sounds like sacrilege to some but school isn't for everybody.

[@DropthePuckHockey]

True

[@karlcooper7016]

@@DropthePuckHockey I wasn't crazy about school either but I did my 4year bit and got out.

[@karlcooper7016]

I didn't like school that much either but I did my 4 year bit and got out.

[@CarharttCowboy]

260 lbs? More like 275-280 lbs

[@Shivavishnubrahma]

Still doesn’t make sense why he quit

[@mitchellhickey9376]

The buff era all hockey fans miss

[@MseaStormmy]

dont speak for me ,he was a defensive liability most games and cost us more goals than eric comrie in net.

[@katiemclean9089]

I am a fan of Buff and miss him He hit hard , but he was not a goon player C A McLean

[@jonsanders1252]

I wonder if Reaves would call him cupcake.

[@highlight7155]

One of my worst fears was getting hit by this guy after seeing how he hit stone 😂

[@DropthePuckHockey]

Ikr lol

[@codeathazine7293]

roseau couldnt be any further away from minneapolis

[@DropthePuckHockey]

Yeah that’s my mistake

[@SHRXP_1]

I met buff he was tall and awesome

[@kenkunz1428]

Buff is still a Legend in Chicago, though he's been gone a long time.