"I try not to think about it. Obviously I don't want to get ahead of myself, jinx anything. But I know it's there. There are constant reminders from family and friends and teammates and media.
"But I'll have the same focus as always. Be ready for the game or the practice, whatever it might be that day, and push forward.
"If you look at it any differently, maybe try and coast your way into something, bad things will happen. And before you know it, you could miss that chance.
"My focus is to come into camp, be ready and do a good job for this team."
At 33, Matt Stajan fully understands that the NHL is only becoming more and more youthful. But a fella doesn't last as long as he has without being able to redefine, re-invigorate and, if need be, even reinvent.
"You just challenge yourself,'' he says by way of explanation. "Everything about this league is about the young guys now.
"I can't change that.
"As an older guy, you've got work hard and prove people wrong. People want to write you off. That's the way it is. Every year you come in, you've got to prove yourself all over again. And that's fine.
"Nothing's ever handed to you, no matter who you are or what age you are. As an older player, it's different now. You've got to earn everything.
"When I look back I'm proud of what I've been able to accomplish in terms of longevity, the way I've tried to handle myself, tried to be a good person and a good teammate.
"I'm trying to enjoy every day. I want to work hard and I want to win. That's what's really keeping me hungry. I want to win.
"I think our team is in a great spot, I like the make-up of it, and I want be a part of it. I want to be part of something special.
"That's the real drive, the real motivation. Now matter how long you play, how old or young you are, that never changes.
"Every camp is different. Every camp is exciting in its own way because of those differences.
"So I'm looking forward to getting started."