SUNRISE, Fla. -- When Jaromir Jagr returned to Pittsburgh two months ago to play against his former team, he knew immediately why the Penguins might have to trade All-Star forward Alexei Kovalev.

As he looked around Mellon Arena, the Washington Capitals' All-Star forward saw empty seats -- more than 4,000 of them, a rarity during his 11 Penguins seasons.

Empty seats, of course, mean lost revenue, or money Pittsburgh could have used to keep Kovalev, the latest of the star forwards who may depart the Penguins and their slimmed-down payroll.

In the last five years, the Penguins have lost some of the game's most creative offensive players -- Jagr, Ron Francis, Robert Lang and, now, maybe Kovalev -- because they couldn't afford to pay them market value.

"You have to try to keep the players if the fans keep coming to the arena,'' Jagr said Saturday during the NHL's All-Star weekend. "The last time we were in Pittsburgh, there were only 12,000 there -- and it's not much.''

Even though a Kovalev deal by the NHL's March 11 trading deadline is seen as inevitable, Kovalev emphasized again Saturday he prefers to stay in Pittsburgh.

"When I was traded (by the Rangers to Pittsburgh), that is when I became successful,'' Kovalev said. "It's all because of them. Maybe it (a trade) will happen closer to the trading deadline, but I don't see any reason to get traded.''

Unlike the Jagr trade to Washington two years ago, when Jagr asked to be dealt and the Penguins accommodated him, Pittsburgh general manager Craig Patrick apparently isn't willing to accept only prospects in return for Kovalev.

For that reason, and because Kovalev's presence in the lineup keeps the Penguins more competitive as they try to return to the playoffs, Patrick may not be in any rush to trade Kovalev.

However, the NHL's general managers met Saturday, affording teams a chance to talk with Patrick in person. So far, the Maple Leafs are believed to be the team most interested in acquiring Kovalev, who is tied for fourth in scoring with 58 points.

Despite his desire to stay with the Penguins, Kovalev offered no hints he is now willing to accept less money to stay in Pittsburgh.

Kovalev turned down an estimated $30 million offer before the season started, apparently because he wants a deal in the $8 million a year range. He is eligible for arbitration after this season, and an award in that price range wouldn't fit into the Penguins' $32 million payroll.

"If I were 21, maybe I could stay in Pittsburgh for less money but I'm not 21,'' he said. "It might be my last contract. We (NHL players) definitely want to be paid what we're worth.''

While Kovalev is the only Penguins player in the All-Star game -- Mario Lemieux is sitting out with a groin injury -- four former Penguins will play.

Jagr, Boston forward Glen Murray and Ottawa goalie Patrick Lalime also were selected, as was Vancouver forward Markus Naslund, who is chasing Lemieux in the scoring race.