Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien isn't letting the constant chatter surrounding his future get in the way of his day-to-day activity.
"I'm the guy that just lets it roll (off my back)," Byfuglien told Dan Rosen of NHL.com on Friday. "It doesn't bother me at all. It's business. It doesn't matter even if I have a contract. That date is set and it comes down to that day for everyone. No one is safe. It gets into the back of your head, but it's nothing that I'm worried about. Business is business. I think either side is going to be OK on it. It's something I just gotta go with."
Byfuglien is in the final year of a five-year, $26-million contract, and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He's interested in staying in Winnipeg, but talks surrounding a potential extension have been a slow process.
"We talk, but nothing is moving too fast so it's a matter of sitting here and waiting," Byfuglien said.
The 30-year-old All-Star has 29 points in 49 games this season, sitting second in the NHL among defenseman with 14 goals.
The Jets will in all likelihood require a decision on his future with the team by the trade deadline on Feb. 29. Regardless of what transpires, Byfuglien enjoys being in Winnipeg.
"I just want to put on a jersey, to be honest with you. I mean, I don't mind Winnipeg at all," he told TSN's Frank Seravalli. There's so many good things that I like about Winnipeg. I have no problem being up there. ... Fishing, hunting, I get to do a little bit of everything."
