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Taylor Hall Could Surprise In Free Agency

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman noted that if any pending UFA might surprise, it will be Taylor Hall that has the biggest chance of shocking fans.

by
NHL Trade Talk
July 15, 2020

Admitting that it’s hard to know just how this seasons NHL free agency is going to shape up, one name that could be surprise many with his decision is Taylor Hall. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, if there’s one player who could go off the board and disrupt the market, it’s the top-ten left-winger.

Currently a part of the Coyotes organization, speculation is that he won’t remain with the team when the season comes to a close. He’s mentioned he wants to sign a long-term deal with a team, but the flat salary cap and limited funds for most teams doesn’t present the ideal situation for Hall. Would he take a short-term deal with a winning club, then look to sign something longer-term down the road?

As Torey Krug of the Boston Bruins said, this is a risky time to be a free agent. There are injury risks coming back to playoff hockey after a long layoff, not to mention financial uncertainty. For Hall, he’s one of the bigger-name free agents and this opportunity to cash in doesn’t come around terribly often.

Friedman noted on Writers Bloc:

… if anyone goes off the board to put themselves in a winning situation, it’ll be Taylor Hall. He’s been in a lot of losing situations & he’s tried of it, he’s made a lot of money in his career, winning is his #1 priority now.

Friedman on Writers Bloc talking about NHL UFAs, says if anyone goes off the board to put themselves in a winning situation, it'll be Taylor Hall. He's been in a lot of losing situations & he's tried of it, he's made a lot of money in his career, winning is his #1 priority now.
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) July 14, 2020

Who Are The Favorites For Hall?

Some are suggesting not to be surprised if Hall takes a bit of a pay cut to be on a winning team. That immediately brings teams like Colorado and possibly Edmonton (where has some history) into the equation. If he believes Montreal has a chance to win, they have money and a willingness to sign a big name. The same potentially goes for the Florida Panthers.

But, if he’s looking to make his money, teams like Detroit have the best chance. Needless to say, if Friedman is correct, Hall might be the player to watch in free agency.

Keep Reading: Torey Krug Says New CBA Likely Means Free Agency