Today at 21:00, the NHL trade period will come to an end, and the Slovak defenseman Šimon Nemec is listed as one of the strongest candidates for a trade. General managers have been keeping their phones close all week, in ongoing negotiations, often delaying their decisions until the last moment. Canadian journalist Eliotte Friedman likened the situation to a poker game, where everyone is bluffing and waiting for others to make the first move before finally showing their cards.

For example, the St. Louis Blues are looking to trade five players but have not yet moved anyone. Other clubs are interested in these players, but they are waiting to see if the Blues will lower their asking prices. As time runs out, teams are under pressure, creating opportunities for mistakes and forcing those eager to make deals to act quickly. It remains to be seen whether a club will be willing to strengthen its lineup enough to meet St. Louis's demands or if the Blues will prioritize rebuilding their roster by accepting lower offers than expected.

Thus far, St. Louis general manager Doug Armstrong has managed to agree on a price for only defenseman Colton Parayko with the Buffalo Sabres. The upcoming hours will be crucial for Nemec and other players on the trading block as the clock ticks down to the deadline, determining their futures in the NHL based on the values assigned by their current teams and the desperation of potential buyers.