from Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star,

Is it time for the general managers running the league’s best teams to do a little pre-Christmas shopping?

The NHL Christmas trade freeze hits Dec. 19 (and is lifted Dec. 27)...

It seems as if GMs, and perhaps owners, have a bigger appetite to make changes sooner. And with so many teams jammed together midway through the standings — parity, the league calls it — this could well be a seller’s market. But while rebuilding teams may be ready to move pending unrestricted free agents, and older players, GMs have to consider the salary cap when taking on large contracts. There are creative ways around it, like retaining salary, if you’re serious about your team’s chances.

As of games Sunday night, 10 points separated Edmonton (12th overall) from Ottawa (29th). Only New Jersey and Detroit are truly out of the playoff picture.

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