Seven trades were completed in December ahead of the Christmas break and trade freeze. A few GMs and insiders have speculated that we could see a similar flurry before the Four Nations break, which could act as an unofficial trade deadline of sorts before the real one takes place a month later.
The logic makes sense, as it allows organizations to bring in a player earlier for more game action and to get them acclimated to a new city during a two-week pause. As Brad Treliving noted just over a week ago, the Leafs have already held their pro scouting meetings.