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Holiday specials: Six NHL players who could be traded this winter

Kevin Allen
USA TODAY Sports

Thanksgiving usually marks the beginning of the early shopping periond in the NHL. General managers evaluate their teams on this day and decide what they need from the marketplace. There are no Black Friday sales, but there are valuable players in stock and ready to be moved.

Carolina Hurricanes captain Eric Staal has four goals and 12 points this season.

Here are the advertised specials:

1. New York Islanders defenseman Travis Hamonic: He has asked to be traded to teams out West for family reasons, and the Islanders are trying to accommodate him. The Edmonton Oilers would seem like a good trading partner, but nothing has been worked out. Hamonic is a key player for the Islanders, and they can't afford to make a mistake with this deal.

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2. Carolina Hurricanes center Eric Staal: Although Staal has said he would like to re-sign in Carolina,  the Hurricanes may not be in a position to pay him the kind of money he could receive on the open market when he becomes a free agent next summer. If it's clear they can't reach a deal, it simply makes sense for the Hurricanes, near the bottom of the standings, to trade him for prospects. Staal has a no-trade clause, meaning he will control what happens.  You can bet several contenders have considered whether they could fit Staal's $8.5 million cap hit under their salary cap.

3. San Jose Sharks winger Patrick Marleau: Multiple reports have suggested that Marleau would accept a trade to a small number of teams. Considering that Sharks have the third-best record in the Western Conference, they presumably will be looking for a player or players in return who can help immediately. Marleau has 15 points in 21 games.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen:TSN's Darren Dreger reported that the Blue Jackets are at listening to offers on the skillful center. It would, however, require a major offer to pry him loose.

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5. Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Trevor Daley: After averaging at least 21 minutes for seven consecutive seasons in Dallas, he's averaging 15:46 for Chicago. Daley has not been a good fit for coach Joel Quenneville. A trade makes sense for the team and Daley.

6.  Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman: The Flames have a deep defense, and they could afford to move a defenseman for a forward. Wideman's $5.25 million salary cap hit is an impediment to getting a deal done.

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