Panthers star defenseman Jay Bouwmeester is more concerned with his own play lately than his contract situation, reports the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Bouwmeester is set to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end, and while many fans are concerned about his future with the team, he says his contract situation "is going to take care of itself."
"I don't really care about that," Bouwmeester told the Sun-Sentinel. "I'll deal with it when I have to deal with it."
For the time being, Bouwmeester is focused on upping his game. In 16 games so far this season, he has zero goals and give assists, with a team-worst minus-6 rating.
"I'm probably not as productive as I would have liked, but that's the way it goes sometimes," he said. "Hopefully I get that out of the way early and get going here. We've had our ups and downs and I've had mine personally, too."
It's believed the Panthers are not actively shopping Bouwmeester, and won't until closer to the trade deadline if they're unable to sign him to a long-term extension.
