One of my readers recently e-mailed me a rumor from one of these so-called "insider" hockey rumor sites suggesting Colorado Avalanche captain Joe Sakic might request a trade before the trade deadline (set for February 27th, 2007 if you're curious) if the Avs are out of the playoff race by then. 

Two words: Won't. Happen.

Why would Sakic request a trade from the only team he's ever played for in his nearly 20 year career? To win a Stanley Cup?

The man has his name on the Cup twice, and won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1996 as playoff MVP.

It's not like he's in the same situation as former teammate Raymond Bourque, who played over twenty seasons with the Boston Bruins and sought a trade to a Cup contender in 2000 as his career was winding down in order to finally play for a champion.

Sakic has nothing to prove in that regard, nor does he have anything else to prove in other areas, being a multiple All-Star and a former Hart and Lady Byng trophy winner.

I see Sakic sticking with the Avs in his twilight years to provide his young teammates with the benefits of his experience and leadership.

If Sakic is traded, it won't be by his request, but by management's. If Avs management comes to him and says they've gotten a sweet offer for his services from a playoff contender, an offer that could help the team's future, Sakic might acquiesce because he's always been a "team-first" guy.

Otherwise, Burnaby Joe's staying in Denver.