4. Dustin Byfuglien

Published in Top 50 Winnipeg Jets
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Already a Stanley Cup Champion (with Chicago) when Dustin Byfuglien was traded to the Thrashers in what would be their last year in Atlanta, he was moved back to his natural blueline position and essentially became a more valuable hockey player.

In that lone year in Atlanta, Byfuglien scored 53 Points and was an All-Star. As the team relocated to Winnipeg, the blueliner was cemented as their defensive star, reaching the 50 Point mark three times and cracked 40 another two. Byfuglien was seventh in Norris voting in 2010-11, and he received Norris votes five more times. A three-time All-Star as a Jet, Byfuglien is easily the best Defenseman in the young franchise's existence.

Sadly, it was an acrimonious end for Byfuglien in Winnipeg as he had personal problems in 2019, and requested a leave of absence, that led to a suspension. He was released in 2020, but his 416 Points with Atlanta/Winnipeg is an impressive tally.

The Bullet Points

Position: Defence
Acquired: Traded from the Chicago Blackhawks with Brent Sopel, Ben Eager and Akim Aliu for Marty Reasoner, Joey Crabb, Jeremy Morin and the New Jersey Devil’s First and Second Round Pick. (Kevin Hayes and Justin Holl were chosen respectively 6/24/10.
Departed: Released 4/17/20
Games Played: 609
Notable Statistics: 122 Goals
294 Assists
416 Points
826 PIM
.68 PPG
+7 Plus/Minus
69.3 Point Shares

27 Playoff Games
7 Goals
18 Assists
25 Points
28 PIM
.93 PPG
+2 Plus/Minus
Major Accolades and Awards: All-Star (2011, 2015 & 2016)