With Christmas almost upon us, here's a look at what several NHL teams and players could be looking for under the tree this year.
Edmonton Oilers: One or two savvy trades to provide much-needed help for superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Otherwise, the Oilers could once again miss the playoffs.
Alex Ovechkin: Another 50-goal season for the Washington Capitals captain. It would be the ninth of his career, tying him with Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy for the most in league history.
Toronto Maple Leafs: A reliable backup goaltender. If anything happens to starter Frederik Anderson, their season is over.
Nathan MacKinnon: Good health for the rest of the season. He's the only notable Colorado Avalanche star not to be sidelined by injuries in 2019-20.
Montreal Canadiens: Another experienced top-four defenceman. Captain Shea Weber needs a dependable blueline partner.
P.K. Subban: A reset button. The former All-Star defenseman is skating through the worst season of his career with the New Jersey Devils.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Finding last season's Presidents' Trophy form. They're struggling to stay in the Eastern Conference playoff chase.
Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin: Rediscovering their scoring touch. The Dallas Stars' franchise players are having difficulty finding the back of the net this season.
Pittsburgh Penguins: A healthier roster. They've held onto a playoff spot despite the absence of sidelined stars like Sidney Crosby, but they'll need them all back to clinch that berth.
Jack Eichel: Another scorer to help him shoulder the Buffalo Sabres offence. Until they find Eichel some help, they'll have a tough time hanging onto an Eastern Conference playoff spot.
Boston Bruins: Secondary scoring. Their offensive depth drops sharply beyond Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak.
Phil Kessel: Chemistry with Taylor Hall. Kessel's production has plummeted since joining the Arizona Coyotes last summer. Recently-acquired left winger Hall could be just the tonic.
San Jose Sharks: Improved goaltending. With Martin Jones and Aaron Dell struggling between the pipes, the Sharks are in danger of missing the playoffs.
Vladimir Tarasenko: A swift return to form once he comes back from shoulder surgery later in the season. The St. Louis Blues need their top sniper if they hope to repeat as Stanley Cup champions.
Detroit Red Wings: The Central Scouting guide to the top prospects in the 2020 NHL Draft. General manager Steve Yzerman will need all the help he can get rebuilding this once-mighty franchise.
Dustin Byfuglien: A quick recovery from ankle surgery and a reconciliation with Winnipeg Jets' management. They need “Big Buff” on their blueline if they hope to stage a run for the Cup next spring.
Vancouver Canucks: Patience. They have a bright future with talented youngster such as Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser and Quinn Hughes. Management should avoid any quick-fix moves just to reach the playoffs.
Oskar Lindblom: Best wishes to the young Philadelphia Flyers winger for a speedy recovery from bone cancer.
Merry Christmas, everyone. See you in 2020.
Lyle Richardson is a freelance writer with the Sporting News and runs the website Spector’s Hockey. His column will appear in The Guardian throughout the NHL hockey season.
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