Music: {allcanada} FLAMES' STAJAN IGNORES TRADE TALK

Sunday, December 29, 2013

{allcanada} FLAMES' STAJAN IGNORES TRADE TALK

The Calgary Sun notes the NHL's Christmas trade freeze is over, meaning Flames president of hockey operations Brian Burke – still searching for a new GM – could make a trade any time.

"You can't think about it," said Flames centre Matt Stajan. "The sport we play and the business we're in, things happen that are beyond our control. The only thing we can control is coming to the rink and playing. If something's going to happen, it's going to happen no matter when, so as players we come to the rink, be a good teammate and play hard. "My mindset's never changed and during a roster freeze, it doesn't change. You have to ignore the stuff going on outside."

More Stajan: "If the situation plays out and they want to keep me here past this year, for sure my family and I hope for that," Stajan said. "We love Calgary. But, we also understand it's a business and it can go the other way. It's just the way it is.

"But you can't over-think it, just prepare yourself, play hockey and everything else will take care of itself.

"I think we'll take it day-by-day and see what direction the team wants to go. We're the players and we play, and management's going to make decisions they think are best for the organization. As players, we just have to do our job, be a good player for the organization. I don't think any changes with who's GM or who's running the team changes that. Management's going to be in the spot to make tough decisions."

One Life to Live (iTunes Canada)