AP Photo

There has been considerable attention this season to the fact that the Carolina Hurricanes have Tuomo Ruutu, Jaroslav Spacek and Bryan Allen in that category and the Edmonton Oilers have Ryan Smyth, Ales Hemsky and Andy Sutton as possible rentals.

The salary cap has created parity, and parity has created tighter races, which have turned the trade deadline into a seller's market.

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke decided he wants to avoid deadline day shopping if it all possible because he thinks prices are always too high.

"Do a graphic for any year — the math doesn't work," Burke said. "Fourteen to 16 teams add players. Prices are inflated, and there is one Stanley Cup parade at the end of the season. The trade deadline is a pit of quicksand."