he hasn't even started skating yet, dont think hes going to be singing any contracts this year if ever

The thing is...this doesn't really make sense. His current contract pays him a lot more than this...and CHI also has plenty of 1 year cap space. If Buff wanted to do this, it would have happened already.

The article said he began rehab in mid December. All the Blackhawks need to do is sign him to a contract prior to the trade deadline. If he has intentions to play this season, and this goes for Shaw too, they can take their time to get healthy and get added to the roster later in the season.

Buff has two years on his current contract. The jets are going to terminate it and he will become a free agent. (He’s giving up the money anyways)

If he wants to play this year, why not the Hawks?

Friedman tweeted about it on the weekend

@FriedgeHNIC
There is word tonight we are getting closer to clarification on Dustin Byfuglien's status for this season. Word is he has yet to resume skating, and "most likely" outcome is he doesn't play this year and his future is re-visited in the summer.

Its probably doubtful that he would pass a physical to sign with a team before the deadline

There’s some news about it that just came out.

I’m not some CBA buff (ha ha get it) so I don’t know the exact rules... but it seems theoretically possible that Buff could sign a contract on the deadline (not pending a physical) and resume rehab until he is ready in early March.

He also started rehab mid December.

I am not sure about the CBA side of things either, feels like this isn't finished bw the jets and Buff legally

Shaw would definitely be a welcomed return to go on a line with Cat and Strome.

Big Buff would be cool but I don't see it happening.