March 30, 2012; Raleigh, NC, USA; Winnipeg Jets defensemen Dustin Byfuglien (33) takes a slap shot against the Carolina Hurricanes at the PNC center. The Jets defeated the Hurricanes 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-US PRESSWIRE

Position: Defense

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN, USA

Age: 27

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 265

Number: 33

Drafted: Eighth round (245th), 2003 Entry Draft

Dustin Byfuglien, or “Big Buff” as he’s called for obvious reasons, came to the Jets (the Atlanta Thrashers at the time) on June 24, 2010. The Chicago Blackhawks had just won their first Cup in 49 years and celebrated by disassembling their team. Byfuglien, Brent Sopel, Ben Eager and Akim Aliu were sent to Atlanta for Marty Reasoner, Joey Crabb, Jeremy Morin and two draft picks (which became Kevin Hayes and Justin Holl). Though Morin stands to play quality minutes in the NHL, Byfuglien was the centerpiece of the trade and quickly became a fan favourite in Atlanta, and now in Winnipeg. The trade was a precursor to the Andrew Ladd swap – deals that saw the Jets’ land their future captain and assistant captain.

With a slap shot that clocks over 100mph, and the kind of gargantuan net presence that only a 265 pound player can provide, it’s difficult to decide whether to play Byfuglien on the point, his original position, or as a power forward. To both maximize his ice time and big shot, the Jets choose to play their assistant captain on the point, a move which has collected Byfuglien 106 points in two seasons at his natural position.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Byfuglien was drafted in the final round of the 2003 Draft; the Blackhawks essentially rolling the dice on the Big Buff’s size and potential. The gamble paid off as Byfuglien would become an everyday player in the ’07-’08 season. But Buff’s potential was never fully realized until the ’09-’10 playoffs when he would collect 16 points to go along with his five game winning goals. Byfuglien became a dominant force, and a desirable trade commodity.

In the two seasons since the trade Byfuglien has been selected to the All-Star Game twice – last year as the Jets’ only participant, though he didn’t play due to injury.

Byfuglien’s accolades speak for themselves, but what is needed out of him in Winnipeg is steady play at the point and consistent production on the power play. Byfuglien is the centerpiece of the team’s PP and when’s he’s not counting points the team has a difficult time winning hockey games. Last year the Jets ranked 12 with the man-advantage, a ranking that coach Claude Noel will be looking to improve.

Last year Byfuglien tied his career total in points at 53, though he only played in 66 games. The Jets are hoping for Big Buff to play in more games this year, and tally over 60 points. If these sorts of numbers can be reached you’ll also see big-time production from power play mainstays Evander Kane and Tobias Enstrom – and the Jets’ flirting with the playoffs.

Where better to start than with the Jets’ Captain, Andrew Ladd?  Check back in the coming days and weeks as player profiles continue. We’ll be looking at where your favourite players came from, and how they fit in with the Winnipeg Jets organization.

Player Profile: Andrew Ladd

Mar 26, 2012; Winnipeg, MB, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Andrew Ladd (16) before the game against the Ottawa Senators at the MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-US PRESSWIRE

Andrew Ladd might not be the most skilled captain in the NHL, but what he lacks in raw scoring ability he makes up for in leadership and work ethic. Ladd’s the kind of guy who brings his lunch pail to the rink every day and works as hard as any player in the league. That’s why he was named the Jets’ captain, and that’s why Jets’ fans love him.

At only 26 years of age, the Maple Ridge, BC native is already a two-time Stanley Cup champion, winning as a rookie with the Caroline Hurricanes in ’05-’06 and again with the Chicago Blackhawks in ’09-’10. Ladd brings a culture of winning to a young team that has plenty to learn about work ethic. The Jets are far from being Cup contenders, but when they make the playoffs, Ladd will have everyone ready to make a serious impact.

Ladd’s most valuable attribute is his versatility. When surrounded by firepower he can slide seamlessly into a top-6 role, or he can lead a third-line as he did in Chicago’s Cup run. He averages nearly 20-minutes per night and plays the penalty kill as hard as the power play.

Drafted fourth overall in 2004, Ladd now has four years left on the 5-year $22M contract he signed to stay with the Jets’ organization. It’s an economical cap hit and signing on long-term is something that Jets’ fans love to see – especially a hardnosed forward who’s just as likely to land a big hit as he is to score a goal. Whether it’s hockey season or the dog days of summer, it’s impossible to walk around the Peg without seeing someone wearing Ladd’s number 16. His commitment to the city of Winnipeg, along with his commitment to winning, makes Andrew Ladd a perfect captain.

You can follow Ladd on Twitter: @aladd16

To see what Too Many Men on the Site had to say about Andrew, take a look at Dylan Nardone’s ongoing blog: Beyond The ‘C’.

April 3, 2012: Sunrise, FL, USA; Winnipeg Jets left wing Andrew Ladd (right) celebrates with teammate defenseman Tobias Enstrom (left) after scoring the winning goal in overtime against the Florida Panthers at the BankAtlantic Center. The Jets won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE