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Likelihood of Five Potential Landing Spots for Taylor Hall

We take a closer look at speculation of five potential teams that could be interested in Taylor Hall. How likely are these destinations?

If you ignore the talk that Buffalo Sabres’ forward Taylor Hall is happy with the Sabres and likes his situation in Buffalo, there are a lot of options for the winger who is also a pending unrestricted free agent this summer. Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report looked at five possible destinations and we thought it might be fun to offer our take and have a closer look at each.

Related: Bruins’ DeBrusk Not Available in Trade Now, Could Be Soon

Hall and the Boston Bruins

Richardson’s Comments:

The Boston Bruins remain among the NHL’s best teams. They’re jockeying with the Washington Capitals for first place in the East Division. Acquiring a top-six winger like Hall could boost their hopes for a Stanley Cup run.

He adds that a lack of reliable scoring depth and with $9.7 million in cap space, there’s a fit there.

Our Take:

We agree with Richardson here. This might be a fit and talk of the Bruins looking to add a forward hasn’t seemed to go away, especially considering the struggles of a player like Jake DeBrusk. If he was part of a package going back and/or the Bruins offered up Anders Bjork, the Sabres might be interested considering Hall could leave for nothing. It is assumed the Sabres would want a draft pick or prospect.

Hall and the Hurricanes

Richardson’s Comments:

Secondary scoring depth also remains a concern, as they’ve shuffled players in and out of their second-line left-wing position. 

He also suggests the Hurricanes are pulling away from the pack a bit in the Discover Central Division and could be in the market for some help.

Our Take:

We’re not as sold on the Hurricanes. Not only do they lack the cap space, which means GM Don Waddell would have to ask the Sabres to pick up part of his remaining $4.7 million, it’s not clear who would come back the other way. Richardson suggests one of the three seventh-round picks the Hurricanes own or little-used defenseman Jake Bean. Not sure that gets it done.

Remember too, the Hurricanes are having issues with their own internal contract extensions. Hard to know how this affects things.

Taylor Hall Buffalo Sabres trade
Taylor Hall Buffalo Sabres trade

Hall and the Blue Jackets

Richardson’s Comments:

“they’re in danger of sliding out of playoff contention in the Discover Central Division. That could push general manager Jarmo Kekalainen into the market for a top-six forward such as Hall.”

Our Take:

Hall has a full no-move clause worked into his deal. With that in mind, why would he want to go to Columbus? This is a team that’s been in the news for all the wrong reasons this season and working under coach John Tortorella might not be the right fit.

They too lack the cap space to land a major asset with a big contract and they’ve tried to load up for the playoffs before, only to see that plan backfire.

Hall and the Panthers

Richardson’s Comments:

“the Florida Panthers are having one of their best seasons in years. However, a slump or an injury to a key player could threaten their postseason hopes, perhaps forcing general manager Bill Zito to put in a call for Hall.

Our Take:

This one makes more sense as the Panthers have the cap space to make this move and they don’t often contend for the playoffs. This could be the season to go for it and Hall could be an enticing option.

The Panthers do have some pretty strong left-wing options now, but Frank Vatrano can move down a spot.

Marc Bergevin Montreal Canadiens
Marc Bergevin Montreal Canadiens

Hall and the Montreal Canadiens

Richardson’s Comments:

“With his club tumbling in the standings, general manager Marc Bergevin could seek help in the form of Hall’s scoring.”

Richardson argues that Tomas Tatar and Jonathan Drouin are the team’s two top two left wingers and there’s been talk Tatar could leave after this season and both can be a bit streaky.

Our Take:

The Canadiens are tight on cap space but Bergevin is likely GM’ing for his job. If the team continues to struggle, he’s only got so many options left to make this work and Hall could be one final shot at staying in the playoff hunt.

Hall would undoubtedly waive his no-move to join Montreal as he loves the big market. The downside of the Canadiens as an option is the time he’d have to sit out to quarantine.

Next: Sam Bennett a Healthy Scratch For Flames Again… Trade Unavoidable?

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2 Comments

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