Contenders

Buffalo: Buffalo is in a bit of a weird spot, with the team retooling on the fly after winning the Challenge Cup. Calling up three S53s to add to their core means this team is unlikely to make a move and will try to repeat on the strength of their strong defence.

Calgary: 2 points back of Hamilton in the race for the President's Trophy, but two games in hand. With an excellent but aging core, Calgary's window is wide open. Atlas Rush is a fellow who could see their spot taken if an upgrade becomes available

Chicago: This is Chicago's window. Much like Buffalo's S46 Core, Chicago has a core of S47s that would make this season a failure if they fail to capitalize. Like Calgary, Chicago has a lack of depth on the third line in K.Smeb and CC2. Perhaps a bidding war could get started between Calgary and Chicago.

Edmonton: Similar to Buffalo. After calling up the number of rookies the Blizzard did, it is unlikely a deadline move is made, instead relying on internal growth.

Hamilton: Oh boy. After getting embarrassed by the Stampede in the previous playoffs, the Steelhawks are out for vengeance. Off-season winners, their window is open once again. Hamilton's defence is a major weak spot that could be exploited in the playoffs.

Manhattan: Playoff failures in the FHM era have highlighted Manhattan as an excellent regular season team that just quite can't cut it in the playoffs. Signing Czerkawsi was a move to keep their window open, however Manhattan could use an upgrade on their third line over Veccelli and over Macintyre.

New Orleans: New Orleans called up a couple of very young rookies, and it has showed as they have taken a massive step back. However, Cain is a certified performer in the playoffs that could help NOLA go on a run. Depth upgrades could be made here.