'Big Buff' now a part of Blackhawks lore

The 2010 Chicago Blackhawks will go down as one of Chicago's most loved sports teams of all-time. During the playoff run, perhaps no one on the team made more fans than Dustin Byfuglien, or "Big Buff." Clearly a fan favorite, Byfuglien gave the Hawks an attitude with his aggressive play against the Vancouver Canucks' goalie Roberto Luongo and his game-winning goals against San Jose. 

No matter what the future held in store for Big Buff, he would go down as a Chicago legend for what he did in the 2010 playoffs. Unfortunately for Blackhawk fans who were looking forward to seeing him in red again next year, the instigator was traded, along with Brent Sopel and Ben Eager to the Atlanta Thrashers today. 

Less than three weeks after the Stanley Cup victory, the famed '10 Blackhawks have been broken up. Never again will we see that team that so many Chicagoans fell in love with. The Blackhawks are still really good and are the favorites to make the Stanley Cup finals again. The trade may have even made them better. But even a better team won't capture the hearts like the one Buff was a part of. 

Compare him to Aaron Rowand of the 2005 White Sox. A one-year hit, but one that will be loved by Chicagoans forever. When the Blackhawks reveal their Stanley Cup banner and pass out rings on October 9 before their home opener against the Detroit Red Wings, Big Buff will get the loudest cheers. 

Byfuglien should have a good career with the Atlanta Thrashers. Atlanta may not embrace him like Chicago is (The ATL is definitely not a hockey town), but he will be a big part of their success.

If not, maybe he will get demoted and sent to the Thrashers' minor league affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. Would any Blackhawks fans be interested in seeing Big Buff and Chris Chelios as teammates for the the city's minor league squad?