Trade rumors are swirling around the 14-time All-Star, who is the struggling Canucks' only representative in Sunday's NHL All-Star game.

The New York Rangers, who were led to a memorable Stanley Cup in 1994 by Messier, are among the teams rumored to be vying for his services before the March 14 trading deadline.

"A lot has happened to that franchise in the last three years, and I really think we're making some progress," Messier said Saturday. "I haven't discussed (a trade) with anybody in management, but the thing is to make sure we do the right thing for the future of the team."

If that happens to be trading the 39-year-old center for some young prospects, he said he wouldn't necessarily object. Messier didn't want to comment on any particulars, including whether he could return to New York after bolting in 1997 for a three-year, $18 million deal with Vancouver.

His contract, which includes a waivable no-trade clause, gives Vancouver a $6 million option for next year, though the Canucks reportedly would have to give him a 3 percent stake in the franchise.

"It's an interesting situation, obviously," Messier said. "We don't have to wait long to see how it plays out."

Messier, who missed 15 games with a sprained knee this season, also said he considered turning down the All-Star invitation but decided to come to Toronto.

"I'm not having the year I'd like, and I could have declined and said I don't deserve it," Messier said. "But it's an opportunity to celebrate the game of hockey and to honor my teammates in Vancouver, so I wasn't going to turn it down."

One thing that has gone according to plan for Messier this season is his performance in a series of commercials for Ruffles and Lay's potato chips.

"I think everybody enjoyed it, and I think I looked all right," Messier laughed while running a hand over his hockey-scarred face. "Obviously, I was in good hands with the people who directed it."