An NHL insider says that the Winnipeg Jets have suspended defenceman Dustin Byfuglien for refusing to report to training camp.

Byfuglien asked for a leave of absence from the Jets on the opening day of training camp and the Jets granted it to him.

TSN's Bob McKenzie tweeted on Saturday evening that the team made the move in order to protect their cap space. If Byfuglien doesn't report by opening day McKenzie says the team "loses his cap hit until he does report." 

McKenzie says while a suspension from the team sounds bad it really isn't. It's simply a move to protect themselves, and would not have come as a surprise to Byfuglien.

"Not nearly as ominous as it sounds," McKenzie says. "[Winnipeg] still wants Byfuglien back but needs to protect roster and cap flexibility until they know his intentions."

McKenzie also says that the suspension can be reversed at any time. McKenzie reported last week that Byfuglien is considering retirement.

The Winnipeg Jets host the Calgary Flames Sunday night in one of four NHL pre-season games on the schedule.

Winnipeg sat veterans such as Blake Wheeler, Mark Scheifele, and Josh Morrissey in its 4-3 home loss to the St. Louis Blues on Friday. The Flames are coming off a 6-2 loss against the Oilers in Edmonton.