NHL Trade Rumors: 5 teams who should trade for Taylor Hall

5. Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers are looking to be very active during the offseason. They’re reportedly interested in signing both Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky in free agency. That’s a bold strategy, but with Joel Quenneville as their head coach, it’s plausible.

However, what if Panarin decides to sign with the New York Rangers? The Panthers would likely still be looking to add someone who can help them with their even-strength offense. Hall would be an excellent player for them to target if they miss out on Panarin.

Much like Panarin, Hall is an elite wing who can drive his own line. Sure, he might not want to sign an extension in Florida. But Quenneville is a very popular coach among those who have played for him. Plus, Florida’s a pretty nice place to live. Best of all, Florida has no income tax, which means Hall could keep more of his money if that’s what he’s after.

However, a trade that makes sense could be a bit hard to create here. The Panthers top trade chip is sniper Mike Hoffman, who, like Hall, has one year left on his deal. New Jersey needs help on defense and the Panthers are already shorthanded there.

Florida would have to include their 2020 first-round pick to get the conversation started. However, they probably don’t have enough to make the Devils an offer they can’t refuse. Still, the Panthers are a desperate team looking to contend. Never underestimate what a desperate team is capable of.