The Winnipeg Jets removed what would have been the most sought-after trade deadline target in re-signing All-Star defenseman Dustin Byfuglien to a five-year contract Monday.
The deal is worth an average of $7.6 million per season, the team announced.
Byfuglien, 30, was set to be become an unrestricted free agent July 1 and the clock was ticking on the Jets to either re-sign him or trade him before the Feb. 29 trade deadline.
Byfuglien has 32 points (15 goals, 17 assists) in 52 games this season.
He was acquired when the Jets franchise was still in Atlanta from the Chicago Blackhawks in the summer of 2010.