Always consider the potential value of additional throw In's. Always try to make any deal a multi-player deal and having more than 1 potential offer on the table can create a perfect timing scenario out of thin air.
In an effort to get Halak, I researched my opposing GM's team and realized who he didn't value on his roster, just before stating keepers. In this case, it was Denis Wideman following his trade to Calgary. He was eager to strip his team down so that he wasn't dumping quality or marginally quality players. Just when the deal was nearly done, I thought...who could I flip to maybe get "Marginally Better".
I told the other GM...Hey...I'll send you the hyped young D, McBain (who really had done nothing of fantasy significance) for Wideman who I know you're bitter about since he was traded from Washington. He agreed not thinking much of it.
At the same time, I was in talks with another GM who I know was thin on Defence. As soon as the deal was posted, he asked if I'd be interested in moving Wideman.
(Now what I got for him was rediculous but...) I tested how badly he wanted Wideman (him being a Calgary fan helped) and ended up getting a 1st round pick.
2 months later I was able to parlay that 1st round pick into Nail Yakupov.
Essentially...Nail Yakupov was a throw in on a deal that netted me Halak, a much needed tender for my squad.
It can get crazy, but having mutiple trade talks at once, along with always asking for those little add ins could pay huge dividends down the road.