31.   Can Reed swing a deal to strengthen the roster, if not now, then at least before the trade deadline in February?

32.   Colangelo said he was swamped Monday by calls from teams interested in the playmaker, the subject of widespread rumors in February near the trade deadline.

33.   Colorado, which completed major deals for Theo Fleury and Ray Bourque before the trade deadline, has said it will not pick up Blake as a rental.

34.   Detroit made the highest profile moves, but no team was busier prior to the trade deadline than Tampa Bay.

35.   Defenseman Bobby Dollas was brought in next with defenseman Janne Niinimaa being acquired near the trade deadline.

36.   Emerson and Kelly Buchberger, acquired last March at the trade deadline, are in the midst of multiyear contracts.

37.   Far removed from the trade deadline and the grumbles over his worth, Bonilla was awash with satisfaction.

38.   Fans all over the country would take that option if it were viable following the farcical events preceding the trade deadline.

39.   For more than a month, the Mariners fanned the flames of anticipation, milking the tantalizing trek to the trade deadline.

40.   Gainey pegged that one at the trade deadline in March, believing the Stars needed forward depth and veteran leadership.