from Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun,
The news that Byfuglien has likely played his last game with the team drew a mixture of disappointment and indifference with former teammates.
The latter sentiment applied to forward Andrew Copp, who called the topic a “media-driven talking point.”
“It was out of sight, out of mind, honestly,” Copp said. “We have so much to worry about within the group that’s here. It wasn’t anything I thought of, or many of the guys in here were thinking about.”
Across the room, defenceman Josh Morrissey was one of those who had been wondering about his old defence partner.
“Yeah, I always was hoping that maybe he’d want to come back,” Morrissey said. “Obviously he’s a big hole to fill, and it’s been tough not having him. I always held out hope that he would come back.”
Forward Kyle Connor also hadn’t given up on the notion of seeing No. 33 back on the blue line.
“We were all pretty hopeful. I know I was,” Connor said. “What was it, the past four seasons he led our team in ice time? He’s a pretty dominant player when he’s out there in force. That’s just tremendous what he would bring to the table. So, yeah, it’s disappointing.”
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