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Penguins' Martin not worried about expiring contract: 'We'll just play the year and see how it goes

Geoff Burke / USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Paul Martin witnessed the departure of teammates Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen over the course of the summer, both of whom signed with the Washington Capitals as free agents. 

Set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2014-15 season, Martin isn't too concerned about his own contract status as the team convenes for training camp.

“My mindset going in is to have a good year no matter what happens,” Martin told the Tribune-Review. “You can't worry about that stuff. I just want to play my best hockey." 

In regards to working out a potential contract extension with the Penguins, the 33-year-old added “(I) can't see us talking about it ... I think we'll just play the year and see how it goes."

Martin recorded three goals and 12 assists in 39 games last season, missing time early on due to a fractured tibia before breaking his hand at the Winter Games in Sochi. He came back in time for the postseason and chipped in eight assists in 13 games.

Traditionally a positive possession player at even strength and more than capable of producing on the power play, Martin, even at 34, will command a significant amount of attention on the open market next summer. 

A strong showing early in the year could boost the Penguins' desire to keep him around, or push them to assess their trade options lest they lose him, like Orpik and Niskanen, to free agency.

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