St Kilda coach Alan Richardson has quashed speculation injury-plagued forward Paddy McCartin will be used as a bargaining chip in the Saints' bid to land Dan Hannebery.

Rumours the former No.1 draft pick could be on the way out at Moorabbin have swirled since the Sydney premiership midfielder announced his desire for a trade to St Kilda.

McCartin, beset by concussion issues and indifferent form, has managed just 35 games in four seasons since the Saints made him the top overall pick at the 2014 draft.

His brother Tom recently signed a long-term contract extension with Sydney but Richardson was unequivocal when asked if McCartin was on the trade block.

"No, he won't be (traded) ... Paddy's very important to what we're doing," Richardson told Fox Footy's AFL 360.

"I've heard (the rumours) too, but Paddy's staying with us ... absolutely.

"(He's) contracted, we want him and he wants to be with us. He's really important to what we're doing."

The Saints are desperate to add some star power after they finished 16th with just four wins and a draw this season, but are equally as keen to hang on to their first-round draft pick - currently No.3.

Hannebery is contracted to the Swans until the end of 2021 and St Kilda will need to find adequate compensation to bring him into the fold.

Richardson revealed he has met with the 27-year-old to discuss what his future might look like.

While the Swans will demand a high price, the three-time All Australian's output has waned during the past two seasons.

"He is (confident of recapturing his best form) and probably more importantly we are," Richardson said.

"We think that he's got a lot of really good footy left in him and has the potential to add a lot of value to our team.

"I reckon there's risk with every player but ... with the amount of work that our medical guys have done and will do ... that gives us enormous confidence."