A Quick Look Back At Dustin Byfuglien

During the Blackhawks dynasty years, the team had many players that you would consider role players. Every successful team has them. A team full of superstars just won't work in a team game. And Dustin Byfuglien was certainly one of those players. Dustin Byfuglien was an 8th round draft pick of the Blackhawks in the loaded 2003 NHL draft. He would spend 5 years with the Blackhawks before being traded to the Atlanta Thrashers prior to the 2010-2011 season.

Although he was only with the Blackhawks for the 2010 Stanley Cup run, the role he played for that team was crucial. At 6 foot 5, 260 pounds, Byfuglien was able to use his size to his advantage. On the defensive side, if you were close, he was gonna put a hit on you. May not be bone-crushing, but he was gonna let you know he was there. And on the offensive side, he was a nightmare for goalies in front of the net. Because of his size he was generally able to set some pretty good screens, often leading to goals either from his teammates or his his stick from a re-direct.

Really a shame the Blackhawks couldn't keep Byfuglien a little bit longer just because he was such a solid player. And having a player of his size who knows how to use it effectively is always a nice thing to have. But most Blackhawks are probably still okay with what played out for the organization after his departure. As they should be.

Take a look at Dustin Byfuglien's two goals in game 5 of the 2010 Stanley Cup Final: