The trade deadline - or Hockey Christmas, as some fans call it - is stressful. It’s tough on the players, it’s tough on fans, and it’s even more difficult for most general managers. Some teams are clear cut sellers - the Sabres come to mind, and the Devils already traded Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac to the New York Islanders.
With the salary cap expected to hold steady next season at $81.5 million, it’s going to require jujitsu for some teams to afford to be buyers. Purchases won’t just be made up of draft picks; many of them will have to clear current roster cap space.