"You never say never in this business and anyone who disputes that notion can look back on Aug. 9, 1988 -- the day Wayne Gretzky was traded to Los Angeles.

In this case, Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray says he isn't trading Scott Niedermayer enough that you believe him. After all, the Ducks have gotten on a hot streak and reintroduced themselves into the Western Conference playoff race.

So, why would you trade Niedermayer now? Sure, his contract is up at the end of the season, but the Ducks are better with the veteran defenseman, so not surprisingly, Murray is scoffing at the speculation you see all over the internet.

"That's another one that seems to circulate," Murray told Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times when asked about rumors that have Niedermayer headed back to New Jersey or home to Vancouver. "No. Scotty and I have been talking and he's going to retire an Anaheim Duck. And that's the way it's going to be unless he tells me different. I have an agreement with Scotty and it's my word.

"We've talked about this. I see him staying here. Who knows, he might play next year."

As for his part, the always cautious Niedermayer told old friend Eric Stephens of the Orange Country Register that he doesn't give the idea much thought.

"You know, I haven't really thought a lot about that," Niedermayer said. "I think when bridges come, then you deal with them. I don't think there's any sense in worrying about that type of thing right now. If that bridge does come by one day, then you look at it. But right now, I'm more concerned about trying to have a good second half. Play as well as I can to help the team.

"That's really where 100 percent of my focus is. The other stuff? If it does come one day, it does. If not ..."

Read My Lips 2 -- For the umpteenth time, Tomas Kaberle says he doesn't want to leave Toronto and Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke has not approached him about a possible trade.

Boy this story never ends. With the Leafs struggling, all eyes are on Kaberle and whether a potential deal would bring back a package of assets that would hasten the Leafs' rebuilding.

But Kaberle has a no-trade clause.

"(Burke) got the list last year," Kaberle told Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun about teams he would consider a trade to. "Besides, he has not come to me about being traded. Nothing has changed.

"I love to play for the Leafs. I want to win a Stanley Cup here. I thought it would be awesome to do that. This is where I want to be. I don't worry about these questions. I just worry about things on the ice. That's it.""