The Winnipeg Jets suspended defenceman Dustin Byfuglien&nbsp;on Saturday for refusing to report to training camp, according to multiple reports.

The 34-year-old Byfuglien&nbsp;is reportedly&nbsp;considering retirement.&nbsp;

Jets' off-ice news remains the focus as Maurice meets with Byfuglien

Winnipeg Jets coach Paul Maurice revealed Friday that he met with defenceman Dustin Byfuglien this week, putting another off-ice development front and centre during an unusual training camp.

Winnipeg Jets' Dustin Byfuglien (33) met with head coach Paul Maurice following reports that the defenceman was considering retirement. 

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Is Dustin Byfuglien thinking of hanging up his skates?

Winnipeg Jets defenceman Dustin Byfuglien is believed to be using his time away from the team to ponder his career and possible retirement, TSN hockey analyst Bob McKenzie says.

Winnipeg Jets' Dustin Byfuglien skates during pre-game NHL action against the Dallas Stars in Winnipeg on Thursday, October 27, 2016.

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Injuries limited Dustin Byfuglien to playing just 42 games last season, in which he scored four goals and added 27 assists.

TSN hockey insider Bob McKenzie was the first to report the suspension.

Byfuglien has been absent since camp opened on Sept. 13. He met with Jets coach Paul Maurice on Thursday.

WATCH | Jets coach Paul Maurice discusses Byfuglien's leave:

Winnipeg Jets speak on Dustin Byfuglien's leave

When asked about the retirement rumour, head coach Paul Maurice told reporters on Wednesday that he's respecting Byfuglien's privacy and won't comment on that or the reason for the leave of absence.

General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff was hopeful Friday that the club could work something out with Byfuglien.

Jets' Patrik Laine says it was 'easy choice' to work out with Swiss club

Patrik Laine says it was an "easy decision" to return to Europe and practice with Swiss club SC Bern as his contract negotiation with the Winnipeg Jets continues.

Restricted free agent Patrik Laine is practising with Swiss team SC Bern as he awaits a new contract.  

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Jets' status as Stanley Cup contenders takes hit with loss of several key players

Even though four months have elapsed since the Winnipeg Jets' quick six-game elimination from the playoffs in the first round to the eventual Stanley Cup-champion St. Louis Blues, the outcome still stings. The Jets still are a playoff-bound team, but their contender status has taken a hit with the loss of several key players.

Jets forwards Patrik Laine (29) and Kyle Connor are two critical unrestricted free agents they must sign. 

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"Dustin is a big part of our family here," Cheveldayoff told reporters. "There's always an open policy for discussions. We always care about people of our family. One thing I will say, healthwise, everything is good for him and his family. But again, from our standpoint, we support Dustin and look forward to the resolution."

Byfuglien is scheduled to earn $8 million US this season in the fourth year of a five-year deal.&nbsp;

PLAYER STATS: Dustin Byfuglien 

Byfuglien scored 31 points (four goals, 27 assists) in 42 games last season, his eighth in Winnipeg. He was twice sidelined due to different lower-body injuries.

Overall, Byfuglien has recorded 525 career points (177 goals, 348 assists) in 869 games. He played his first five seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks and one with the Atlanta Thrashers before that franchise moved to Winnipeg before the 2011-12 season.

On Saturday, the Winnipeg Jets suspended veteran defenceman Dustin Byfuglien for failing to report to camp. Byfuglien has been on a personal leave of absence since camp started last Friday and is rumoured to be contemplating retirement. 

Jets suspend Byfuglien for refusing to report to camp: reports

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