NHL Trade Rumors: 5 teams who should trade for Taylor Hall
If the recent NHL trade rumors are true, Taylor Hall could be traded, as he reportedly doesn’t want to sign an extension with the New Jersey Devils. Which five teams would make the most sense for the 2017-18 Hart Trophy winner?
As if the NHL needed another huge name on the trade market, the latest NHL trade rumors have a former Hart Trophy winner potentially on the market – New Jersey Devils forward Taylor Hall. A recent report from The Fourth Period says Hall isn’t interested in signing an extension with the Devils.
This would significantly shake up the trade market, if true. Unlike some of the top names available, Hall doesn’t have any no-trade protection, which means he could be traded anywhere. Of course, since he’ll be a free agent in a year, that could limit the return somewhat, but if Hall’s open to an extension somewhere else, the Devils could get a monumental package in return for him.
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It’s not likely anything gets done until after July 1, for several reasons. First of all, the Devils are going to do everything in their power to convince Taylor Hall to stick around. He’s a huge part of their rebuild and they’re a much worse team without him on the ice, as they proved last season.
Secondly, Artemi Panarin, Joe Pavelski, and Matt Duchene could each hit the open market on July 1. Whoever strikes out on those guys could be interested in adding Hall. The Devils would be wise to wait until after those guys sign before trading him unless they get an offer that blows them away.
Thirdly, there’s a good chance New Jersey will be active in free agency. They have a ton of cap space and numerous holes to fill. Free agency will likely be the Devils best (and potentially last) shot at convincing the 2017-18 Hart Trophy winner that they’re building a Stanley Cup contender.
Just about every NHL team will be interested in trading for Taylor Hall if he’s available. Even if he’s just going to be around for one year, players of his caliber are rarely available. And, as Hall proved in 2017-18, he’s fully capable of leading a team to the postseason.