Sabres Expected to Talk to Taylor Hall About Potential Trade

After a media conference that discussed the firing of head coach Ralph Krueger, Sabres’ genernal manager Kevyn Adams was asked about a few other items on his to-do list. Specifically, when discussing left-winger Taylor Hall, there were some hints dropped that the two sides might have a discussion and that Hall might be asked if he’d be willing to waive his no-trade clause for a potential move.

Related: Adams Talks About Decision to Fire Head Coach Ralph Krueger

Translation: Would be shocked if Adams doesn't talk to Hall/Ferris about a potential move. Hall has full NMC so ball is in his court.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 17, 2021

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun notes:

I asked Sabres GM Kevyn Adams whether his feeling had changed on re-signing Taylor Hall and whether it was inevitable now that he would deal him before April 12. Adams responded he was open-minded on it, that he has a good relationship with Hall’s agent Darren Ferris. Translation: Would be shocked if Adams doesn’t talk to Hall/Ferris about a potential move. Hall has full NMC so ball is in his court.

Hall himself has said on numerous occasions that he’s more than open to staying in Buffalo and that while he signed a one-year deal with the team in free agency, it was never just about a short-term stay for the player. At the same time, the belief was that Hall signed in Buffalo to build chemistry with center Jack Eichel and that the combination of those two players could mean a playoff spot. The farthest thing from that has happened.

Eichel is out with an injury and the Sabres have lost 12-straight games, finally resulting in the coach being let go. There’s really no way Buffalo makes it to the postseason and the Sabres are better to see what’s out there for Hall on the market prior to the April 12th trade deadline.

If the team can get something back, they should try.

Hall Should Be Willing

Realistically, Hall would be crazy to not give the go-ahead to Adams. He’ll want to join a contender and there’s talk that a team like the New York Islanders could be a fit. The Sabres are an absolute disaster right now and if Hall can get to an organization where he’s got the chance to win, he should jump at it.

Joining another team and actually producing is good for Hall and his long-term prospects of landing another deal. He’s not been an $8 million player this season and if he’s looking to score big in free agency, he needs to start putting up some bigger numbers.

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