NHL Trades Could Be Based on Need and Situation Dave Pagnotta of the Fourth Period was asked on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio with Steve Kouleas and Martin Biron about whether there could be more trades before Christmas; Pagnotta replied he did not foresee further moves until after December, but there may always be talks regarding further trades before then. NHLRumors.com Transcriptions NHL Rumors: Frustration but Not Panic Yet for the Nashville Predators Steve Kouleas reported: “So it appears as if some minor wheeling and dealing has taken place relating to what we discussed last week – Timothy Liljegren being mentioned most prominently – since our discussion. Do we need to wait for more capital space to become available before taking action on any possible trade fronts before Christmas? Are there any signs on this website of potential conversations about Provorov that have not taken place yet, perhaps in January? But where could there be deals before then?” Dave Pagnotta: “You see some moves happen and that accelerates talks or reinvigorates existing discussions; for example: ‘Oh look these guys have left. Let me bring in another player or make another change here.” Are the Islanders ready to start trading this offseason? NHL Rumors: Are There More Situational Trades Coming I’ve got an impression they are considering trade options but do not possess enough cap space to make any substantial moves at this point. As much money must flow back in and out as quickly, Nashville would likely follow suit with many clubs currently facing this dilemma and utilize any cap space they might possess until finding the appropriate deal that benefits all involved parties involved. There are teams in their position and with cap flexibility; others, like Toronto, struggle. It must find ways to address its situation here. Send someone down on waivers or move out another body within the week in order to activate some players from long-term injured reserve, like Connor Dewar and Jani Hakanpaa who they brought in. Due to circumstances beyond their control, some teams need to make moves – like Toronto releasing Liljegren or Utah signing Olli Maatta as examples of such. That decision was based upon issues brought up during discussions without Marino or Durzi for several months, such as whether there should be more transparency on certain matters. NHL Rumors: New York Islanders Hunt Defensemen And Options So I don’t sense any major movement at this point; but that doesn’t mean there isn’t talk. As with anything, talk remains high throughout the off-season and everyone continues to explore what options may exist for them; but early in the year it tends to be these more opportunistic moves due to injuries or cap concerns which come into play. As was noted earlier, the Islanders would like to do something, but none of their guys who are out are season-ending injuries (Adam Pelech could miss four to six weeks; Mathew Barzal could see six). Sooner or later, these players are going back, so you must ensure you have enough cap space. Unfortunately, it’s not quite that straightforward; while Lou and staff at Memphis may wish they could do something, their handcuffing keeps them from doing much of anything.”