The Boston Bruins are working with the representatives for Taylor Hall to get an extension done, but Darren Dreger of TSN reports that there is interest from other teams as well. Dreger even suggests that the Toronto Maple Leafs would have interest if they don’t sign Zach Hyman. While the Maple Leafs would certainly be hard-pressed to fit Hall in under the cap with their current situation, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that he has a market waiting for him if he chooses free agency.
In fact, Hall likely saved himself quite a bit of money by accepting the trade to Boston at the deadline. He scored more points (20) in 27 games with the Bruins than he did in 37 with the Sabres, and nearly doubled his career postseason appearances. Boston still seems like the most likely destination for Hall this summer, but waiting a few weeks to see what kind of long-term deals are out there certainly seems beneficial for the skilled winger. Remember though, any contracts that are signed right now would force teams into more protection issues for the expansion draft, meaning there hangs a delicate balance between waiting long enough to avoid Seattle and not waiting too long to risk losing a player to the open market.
- Nate Schmidt was supposed to arrive in Vancouver and help solidify their defense corps this season, but ended up posting his worst offensive season since 2014-15. The 29-year-old recorded just 15 points in 54 games and now is hoping for a change in scenery for next year. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet spoke about how both the Canucks and Schmidt know “it’s not a perfect match” and that the two sides will work together to try to find a solution. Of course, that’s easier said than done given that Schmidt is still signed for four more years at a $5.95MM cap hit, making him an expensive gamble for any acquiring team. He also holds a 10-team no-trade clause and saw his metrics fall basically across the board this season.
- The Chicago Blackhawks don’t currently plan on buying anyone out, according to Scott Powers of The Athletic. The first window technically opens later tonight, 24 hours after the Stanley Cup was awarded, but tomorrow will be when players hit unconditional waivers if a team is planning a buyout. With Brent Seabrook now on long-term injured reserve with no plans on returning to the ice and Duncan Keith heading toward a trade, there aren’t really any contracts that would scream a buyout in Chicago anyway. Perhaps Brett Connolly’s $3.5MM cap hit could be a candidate, but it seems likely that he will be capable of at least providing more next year than the six points he registered this season.
Taylor hall isn’t worth anything above $4mill. He barely plays defense and clearly has loyalty issues. Hated the Hall signing for the Sabres. Hated it for Boston (mind you I’m not fond of Boston but like players they have in Debrusk and Pasternak). He belongs on a team where the fan base is quite frankly not into hockey aka Arizona!
As a Bruins fan I disagree, I was very impressed with his defense and effort considering I was expecting the player I saw at all his previous stops. Turns out playing for a competent club is quite the motivator. I think he’s worth around 6m at this point but I’m hoping he takes a discount to play in Boston. No clue why the Leafs want him, he’s not a defenseman, goalie, or someone that brings heart and toughness which is what the Leafs really need.
I agree with you
@ Hannibal8us – agreed. Hall was pretty studly for us. Probably part of it is that no one expects him to be THE man in Boston: Marchand, Pasta, Bergeron, Rask, McAvoy, that’s the backbone of the team. No one’s going to blame losing on him. No one’s going to expect him to make excuses on the mike. All he needs to do is play hockey.
And best of all, he didn’t cost us much. Rick Nash, Tomas Kaberle, Jaromir Jagr, Rich Peverley, all ‘meh’ rentals that cost 1st rounders or worse. (Hey, anyone think the Bruins take the Blues two years ago with Blake Wheeler and Rickard Rakell in the lineup?)
Hall isn’t a bad player, but he sure is a bust for a 1st overall player
He’s better than most of the top players in that class but Seguin was the better player (LOL Bruins)
“ No clue why the Leafs want him, he’s not a defenseman, goalie, or someone that brings heart and toughness which is what the Leafs really need.” – Hannibal8us
I’m confused. You said you disagree but yet that quote from you right there would say you would actually agree. He plays with no heart, toughness, and quite frankly takes plays off when things don’t go his way (that happens ALOT). For a team like the Bruins idk if you want to spend $6mill on a player like that to keep around your younger players.
They’ve got Reilly, Rask and Krejci to sign, the rest of the roster to fill out, and upgrades to consider: they’re not going to give Hall $6 million based on the post-trade games. If I’m Sweeney, I offer him a bridge deal loaded with performance bonuses. If Hall’s serious about taking a discount to stay in Boston and play for a contender, I say he ought to put his pen where his mouth is and take 4, 4.5.
Bridge deals are for guys who have not hit UFA status. No such thing as bridge deals for UFAs. Hall will likely get 5 years at 6 to 6.5 from Boston. More if he goes elsewhere.