The NHL's holiday trade-freeze period (Dec. 19-27) is nearly upon us. That's led to an increase in trade rumors and speculation over where some players, such as Carolina Hurricanes captain Eric Staal (pictured above), could be dealt at some point this season. As always, we must determine whether they're based in fact or fiction.
Some of the trade chatter concerns potential unrestricted free agents like Staal. A few discussions deal with players due to become restricted free agents next summer, such as Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie. There's also trade talks regarding players with term remaining on their contracts, like New York Islanders blueliner Travis Hamonic.