The NHL's March 4 trading deadline is approaching, and Ian Laperriere couldn't have been any clearer after Sunday's game he wants to remain with the Avalanche.

The popular forward's name has been mentioned in trade speculation, in part because he is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

But if Laperriere has his way, he'll be re-signed to a new contract.

"It would be good, it would be great," he said. "It would be a sign that they want to keep me around. I want to stay here, there's no question about it.

"It's here where I want to play. I want to finish my career here and we'll see what's going to happen in the next week. I don't know what their plan is."

STASTNY SKATING

Center Paul Stastny finally might get the go-ahead to play Tuesday in Atlanta.

Stastny, who has missed 26 games to recover from surgery for a fractured forearm, skated Sunday morning and will take part in the Avalanche's full practice today.

"We'll see," coach Tony Granato said. "We'll make a decision after practice."

The Avalanche has gone 11-15 without Stastny, who was injured Dec. 23 against Phoenix.