The Arizona Coyotes have won the race to sign Taylor Hall from the New Jersey Devils. The Coyotes officially announced Monday.
The deal consists of Arizona prospects defenseman Kevin Bahl, forwards Nick Merkley and Nate Schnarr, a 2020 conditional first-round pick and a 2021 conditional third-round pick. The Coyotes will also get AHL forward Blake Speers.
Reports are saying that the Devils would retain half of the salary that’s left on Hall’s final year of his contract this season. The 2020 first-round pick is top-three protected, If it were a top-three pick, it would convert to a 2021 pick.
Former Hart trophy winner, Hall has been clearly struggling recently after posting 93 points only two seasons ago. He has six goals and 19 assists for 25 points in 30 games this season.
28-year-old Hall is in his 10th NHL season and, would be a massive offensive addition for the Coyotes, that signed Phil Kessel during the summer to add to their offensive game.
Taylor was born in Calgary Alberta on November 14th, 1991. At age 13, Hall was the 12th pick of the Calgary North East Bantam AAA Canucks; and was picked after 40+ players in the bantam age group in Northeast Calgary’s hockey quadrant of then 3 teams.
After playing in the OHL for the Windsor Spitfires, it was time for Hall to make the massive adjustment to play in the big show.
He was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers’ first overall pick in the 2010 NHL entry draft.
Hall made his NHL debut on October 7, 2010, against the Calgary Flames at the Rexall Place in Edmonton, and played left wing on a line with center Shawn Horcoff and right-winger Jordan Eberle. He registered 16:59 of ice time, two penalty minutes, and four shots on goal in his team’s 4-0 win.
A change of scenery, a new team and new teammates may be exactly what Hall needs to make improvements to his currently struggling game. But for the Coyotes to sign Taylor Hall they clearly are wanting to make offensive improvements in the future.
For more like this, you can visit our NHL section here. Also, follow us on Facebook for coverage of the NHL and much more.