Dustin Byfuglien facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dustin Byfuglien
Byfuglien with the Winnipeg Jets in April 2016
Born	(1985-03-27) March 27, 1985 (age 40) Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
Height	6 ft 5 in (196 cm)
Weight	260 lb (118 kg; 18 st 8 lb)
Position	Defense / Right wing
Shot	Right
Played for	Chicago Blackhawks Atlanta Thrashers Winnipeg Jets
NHL Draft	245th overall, 2003 Chicago Blackhawks
Playing career	2005–2020

Dustin Byfuglien (born March 27, 1985) is a former American professional ice hockey player. He played for three main teams: the Chicago Blackhawks, Atlanta Thrashers, and Winnipeg Jets. Even though he was first chosen as a defenseman, he played both forward and defense during his career. Later on, he mostly played defense. Dustin helped the Chicago Blackhawks win the famous Stanley Cup in 2010. He was also the first Black American-born player to win the Stanley Cup, which is a big achievement! After his hockey career, Dustin followed his passion and became a professional fisherman.

Early Life and Hockey Start

Dustin Byfuglien was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When he was young, Dustin moved to Roseau, Minnesota, with his mother to be near family. In Roseau, he discovered ice hockey and quickly fell in love with the sport. His stepfather, Dale Smedsmo, also played a few games in the NHL, which is the top hockey league.

Because of school rules, Dustin could not play hockey at Roseau High School. So, he moved to Warrenville, Illinois, near Chicago, to play for a top youth team called the Chicago Mission. After that, he moved to Canada to play in a major junior hockey league.

Playing Career Highlights

Playing for the Chicago Blackhawks (2005–2010)

Byfuglien with the Blackhawks in April 2010

Dustin played major junior hockey for the Brandon Wheat Kings and Prince George Cougars. The Chicago Blackhawks chose him in the 2003 NHL Draft. When he first started, Dustin was a defenseman. But during the 2007–08 season, he moved to play as a right wing. This helped the team have a bigger player closer to the opponent's net.

He spent some time playing for the Blackhawks' minor league team, the Norfolk Admirals. Dustin really shined in his third year as a pro. He became the first player from the Rockford IceHogs (another minor league team) to win the American Hockey League's Player of the Week award. He scored a goal and had five assists in just four games. After getting seven points in eight games with Rockford, he was called up to the Chicago Blackhawks on November 3, 2007, and stayed there.

In his first game back with the Blackhawks in the 2007–08 season, he scored a goal on his very first shift! He also scored his first career hat-trick (three goals in one game) on November 30. That season, he finished tied for fifth on the team with 19 goals and 36 points, even while changing positions to forward. He played a huge part in the Blackhawks winning the Stanley Cup in 2010. In the playoffs, he scored 11 goals and had five assists, including three goals in the Finals!

Time with the Atlanta Thrashers and Winnipeg Jets (2010–2020)

On June 24, 2010, Dustin was traded from Chicago to the Atlanta Thrashers. With the Thrashers, he moved back to his natural position as a defenseman. He became an alternate captain for the Thrashers a few months into the 2010 season. Dustin was chosen for his first NHL All-Star Game along with his teammate Tobias Enström. In the 2011 All-Star Game's Skills Competition, his slap shot was super fast at 102.5 miles per hour!

Byfuglien with the Thrashers in December 2010

A month later, on February 15, 2011, the Thrashers signed Dustin to a big five-year contract. He scored 12 goals and had 41 assists during the 2011–12 season. This was the season when the Thrashers team moved and became the Winnipeg Jets. Dustin played in 66 games for the Jets that season and was again invited to the NHL All-Star Game.

Before the 2013–14 season, Dustin worked hard to improve his stickhandling and how he moved the puck. That season, he set a new personal best with 56 points.

After moving back to his main position, Dustin scored 12 goals and 35 points in 48 games. Because of this, he was invited to the 2015 NHL All-Star Game as the only player from the Jets. On April 2, 2015, Dustin was suspended for four games for a play during a game.

Byfuglien with the Jets in February 2013

His All-Star streak continued into the next season, as he was invited to his fourth All-Star game. At that time, Dustin had nine goals and 23 points in 40 games. On February 8, 2016, Dustin signed another five-year contract with the Jets, keeping him with the team until the 2020–21 season.

On October 27, 2018, Dustin reached a big milestone: his 500th NHL point! This made him one of only 14 players drafted in the eighth round or later to reach 500 points. He got injured later that year and missed some games. Despite this, Dustin returned to play for the Jets on March 30, 2019. He ended the 2018-19 season leading the team in penalty minutes. The Jets made it to the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs, where he played over 25 minutes per game and got 8 points in 6 games.

On September 13, 2019, Dustin took a break from the team for personal reasons. He later had surgery for an ankle injury. On February 24, 2020, the Jets announced that Dustin would not play for the rest of the season. On April 17, 2020, Dustin and the Jets agreed to end his contract.

Personal Life and Hobbies

Dustin Byfuglien and his wife, Emily, have three children. All of their children were born in Winnipeg.

Dustin loves to fish! He even competed in a big fishing competition called the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship in 2011. After he retired from the NHL, he really focused on his love for fishing and became a professional fisherman.

Career Statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International Games

Awards and Honors

* injury prevented attendance

See also

• List of family relations in the NHL