Thomas Vanek still prefers that his services aren't put up for auction.

The Detroit Red Wings winger, who would be considered one of the top rentals on the market if made available before the March 1 deadline, maintains that his intention is to play his way out of a trade.

"It's obviously something I'm aware of," he told Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, when asked about his name circling the rumor mill.

"I signed a one-year deal, so it can happen for sure. But I'm focused right now on putting a couple wins together and get ourselves in the (playoff) picture, and make it hard (general manager Ken Holland) to do something and hopefully stay here and make a run with this team."

This is typically the time of year that the Red Wings gear up for another postseason run, often exploring the market to plug holes. But after 25 straight berths, the club may be resigned to the fact that a championship simply isn't in the cards this spring.

If they make that determination, there's no reason to retain Vanek, who's one of 20 players contributing at least three points per hour - and doing so on an expiring deal.

His value hasn't been higher in some time. Detroit must take advantage of that, despite how much he might be enjoying his time.

"I think it's a good team with a lot of upside," Vanek said. "There's a lot of young guys playing some good minutes and you can see they are getting better. Our veteran leadership is great. I like the community here. My boys, my family likes it. It's definitely a place that's been comfortable right away."

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