from Sportsnet,

While 10 teams are currently over the regular season salary cap of $81.5 million and another six franchises are within $2 million of it, there are still a few notable UFAs looking for work. From goal scorer Mike Hoffman, to offensive defenceman Sami Vatanen and defensive defenceman Travis Hamonic, teams that are looking to add an impact player have options to explore.

Those signings could start happening at any moment now.

"All these players are certain to find NHL jobs and the time to make decisions is now upon us," Chris Johnston said on Sportsnet 590 The FAN's Hockey Central. "I can't give you the hour, but I would think we're within hours of potentially seeing some signings come through because I know within the past two days that conversations have taken on more urgency with the representatives for those players.

"I think the whole industry has awoken from a slumber now and so I think it's going to be a busy week, even though it's the week of Christmastime, to see some potential trades and free agent signings."

The dynamics of the trade market could be especially interesting this season, though it could be harder to make moves in-season when you consider quarantine rules that must be followed in some areas. This is especially true for the Canadian teams, as any player they acquire from an American team would not be immediately available to play, as they would be under normal circumstances. A mandatory quarantine would have to happen first.

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