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M H J O N L I N E . C O M | N O V. / D E C . 2 0 2 0 28 Photos / Getty Images market doesn't really matter. It's just a matter of how you're going to treat your daily life. Throughout all the injuries, I think that's helped get to this point where I think I can manage that stress level and just have fun playing the game and not worry about what everyone's think- ing or what's going on throughout the media." that required surgery. Bjugstad is taking advantage of the extended off- season to really fine tune his body. If you've ever seen Bjugstad, his biggest attribute beyond his 6-foot- 6 frame is his exceptional shot. Hey, his uncle, Scott Bjugstad, is one of the area's most renow ned shooting teachers. He hopes to get back to showing off that lethal shot. W hat the former Pittsburgh Peng uins for ward never ex pected was being given an ex tra sliver of motivation back in September when he was traded to his home- tow n Wild. The homecoming gives Bjugstad, the epitome of Minnesota Nice, a new lease on life. He'll have plenty of opportunity to log big minutes, play a significant role and prove to the NHL world that he can stay healthy. This is an important year for Bjugstad; he enters the final year of a six-year contract and he says with typical honesty that he has a lot to prove in order to earn a new contract beyond this upcoming season. There are certain players that can handle the distractions of living at home, and there are certain players who cannot. Bjugstad, now a husband and a father of two little girls, is mature and professional enough to know that playing hockey in Minnesota is not about reuniting with old buddies. He also knows that being #oneofus means he probably shouldn't pay attention to what fans are saying about him on social media or reporters like yours truly are writing about him. Bjugstad's here to play hockey. Period. "I was thinking about it today where I just think I'm at an age in my life where I'm able to handle this," said Bjugstad, a 2010 first-round pick of the Florida Panthers. "Obviously, I don't totally know. But if I were to get traded to any other team, I would be treating it the same exact way I'm treating it. I'm well aware there's a lot of outside distractions when you're at home, but you could make it what you want. "You can create your own pressure in your own head, whether it's in Florida or if it's in Minnesota. The Russo's Rants In 439 career NHL games, Nick Bjugstad has scored 97 goals and 110 assists.