(Photo Credit: AP Images)
Clearly it was an unknown how the Dustin Byfuglien defensive experiment would work. Atlanta was roundly criticized in the media for doing such a thing. The only people laughing now are the Atlanta Thrashers themselves and fantasy owners of “The Big Buff”. He is 6 foot 4 and listed at about 257 pounds (most seem to think 270 or 275 or so) but his presence on the blueline is almost a throwback to the old days and a look ahead at the same time.
Byfuglien is a hybrid of the truest form. He can play the point and on the front of the power play unit. He can also fight if needed but his greatest attribute is his hands. Those hands and superior body positioning is what helped make Dustin what he is on the ice now. It also did not hurt that the coach, Craig Ramsey, paired Byfuglien with Tobias Enstrom. Enstrom was a quiet fantasy surprise last year and has 50-60 point talent in him as well.
We talked somewhat extensively on last night’s show about “The Buff”. Timo Seppa of Puck Prospectus seemed to agree that this could eventually become a trend in the NHL. However there is one clear difference with Byfuglien. He plays the game out there at times like a basketball player would. Think Antonio Gates in football and ponder how dominant he has been as a Tight End with Wide Receiver speed and athleticism. That is the potential in Byfuglien ladies and gentlemen and this has long reaching fantasy hockey effects.
Dustin Byfuglien has 25 points in 24 games but more impressively 13 of those 25 points have come on the man advantage (4g 9a), where he has already eclipsed last year’s totals (6g 5a). What was once kind of a gimmick pick in fantasy drafts will likely not be anymore as it seems Atlanta is a breeding ground for surprises (remember Bryan Little and Rich Peverley?). The reality is now for the Thrashers’ Rover as I like to call him but he is no Sandis Ozolinsh. He has the possibility of being much better than a Mike Green. It also does not hurt that he hits people as well.
Projections are a tough beast when it comes to fantasy hockey as we know hot starts can fade into oblivion like a supernova. However, Atlanta clearly has something and while “The Buff” learns how to play a little defense (those skills are improving), few can dispute his offensive sense when it comes to jumping in the play and making things happen.
The fact that Byfuglien averages nearly 4 shots a game almost 2 hits per game does not hurt too much either. He will be an intriguing from here on out and 50 points this year is almost a certainty. Talk about a breakout player again in Atlanta. It always seems to be a recurring theme in a town where almost no one watches hockey where a guy plays it like its basketball. Hey Atlanta, go see this guy play and fantasy owners get on it!
