It appears the long-awaited trade that would see Taylor Hall moved from the New Jersey Devils has happened and he’s headed to the Arizona Coyotes.
The report is that the Coyotes have traded three prospects plus two conditional draft picks. Rumors are Kevin Bahl is among the prospects and one of the conditional picks is a first-rounder.
The Coyotes were among the favourites to land Hall as per reports that surfaced last week. They took the lead from the Colorado Avalanche and this makes the already strong-performing Coyotes even stronger as they battle with the Edmonton Oilers for the Pacific Division lead.
Early speculation is that Hall will not sign nor had he talked about signing an extension with the Coyotes and will be merely a rental for the remainder of the season. That this trade took place now might explain why the Coyotes were willing to move so many pieces to make the deal work. Hall should certainly increase the odds Arizona is playing come the postseason.
Coyotes GM John Chayka said of the trade:
“Taylor Hall is one of the elite talents in the game today; a Hart Trophy winner, high-end playmaker & one of the NHL’s most talented forwards. We are beyond thrilled to add Taylor to our team as we continue in our mission of bringing a Stanley Cup home to Arizona.”
As per Elliotte Friedman, “Here are conditions on the one pick: stands as a third; if Hall re-signs OR Coyotes win a round, becomes a second; if BOTH happen, becomes a first.”
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