In an ideal world, the Devils would extend Taylor Hall on a long term mega-contract. That doesn't appear likely at this point.
- The Devils continue to stockpile talent in a bid to get the franchise back into the playoffs after many years on the sidelines. Their only trip to the postseason in recent memory was a brief first round loss at the hands of the Lightning.
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- Taylor Hall is slated to hit free agency in 2020, and by most accounts, he's probably going to test the waters.
- Hall has made it no secret that he wants to win after years of playing on mediocre teams in New Jersey and Edmonton.
- He raised a few eyebrows this summer when he commended John Tavares' decision to hit the open market. Hall appears intent on doing the same thing.
- The Devils, of course, would like to think they have a decent shot at signing him. If the team shows signs of improvement with the additions of PK Subban, Jack Hughes, Wayne Simmonds and Nikita Gusev he might just be willing to commit.
- For their part, the Devils appear unwilling to let Hall walk to free agency for nothing. Reports suggest their preference is to sign or trade Hall before the 2020 trade deadline to avoid a situation like the Islanders went through with Tavares. However, we saw what happened in Columbus: the team changed course and held onto pending UFAs Sergei Bobrovsky and Artemi Panarin for one last run at the playoffs. That resulted in the Blue Jackets winning their first playoff series as a franchise. Perhaps GM Ray Shero will have a change of heart if the team gets off to roaring start.
