from Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun,
Speaking to local reporters for the first time since the Jets were eliminated from the playoffs by the Anaheim Ducks last April, Byfuglien expressed his desire to stick around long-term but conceded the prospect of becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer for the first time in his career was intriguing.
One thing Byfuglien isn't concerned about is his contract talks becoming a potential distraction.
“I have people to take care of that and they're talking,” said Byfuglien, who had 18 goals and 45 points in 69 games last season. “There's beautiful lakes around here. Everything is great. (Becoming a free agent) would be a change. It would be different. No, I would love to stay here and be a Jet for (the rest) of my career, but business is business and I've got to come to the rink and do my job every day.
“There are a few guys (on the Jets) who are telling me to sign, but if it was that easy, it would be done.”
At the end of the day, Byfuglien's focus is on getting out of the gate strong.
“If I get off to a better start, it's only going to help me look better,” said Byfuglien. “I just have to be myself and make sure that we're ready as a team and that we're going to go out there in the same direction we were going last year.”
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