‘“I think in 2020, a coach like him has the greatest chance of connecting with athletes and really making people better,” said Hall, the 28-year-old who stunned many across the NHL by signing a one-year, $8 million contract with the Sabres. “We talk about hockey and how it’s all statistics and stuff like that, but really it’s a bunch of people, and I feel like he can get the most out of people.”‘
The Sabres Report - October 18, 2020
Inside the NHL: As Sam Reinhart's arbitration award climbs, how much is too much? ★
‘Reinhart has wrapped up a two-year, $7.3 million deal he signed during training camp in 2018 that carried a $3.65 million cap hit. It was reasonable to think the Sabres were looking at $6 million and up in an arbitration award. In the wake of the latest deals, you have to wonder now how close that figure might get to $7 million.’
The Sabres Report - October 17, 2020
Sabres’ signings show Ralph Krueger’s growing influence under Kevyn Adams ★
‘Three of the five free agents the Sabres have signed this offseason – most notably, Taylor Hall, the 2017-18 Hart Trophy winner – have connections to Krueger.’
Opinion: Why trading Ristolainen should still be a priority ★
‘However, it may be time now to accept the cruel fate of this COVID-19 world and realize that what was once thought to be fair value for Ristolainen is now no longer available.’
The Sabres Report - October 15, 2020
Column: Sabres risk derailing huge Taylor Hall signing without an upgrade in goal ★
‘Everyone is waiting for an upgrade but it sure seems like the Sabres may just put Linus Ullmark and Carter Hutton in the crease again and hope for better results.’
Sabres’ Taylor Hall understands Jack Eichel’s frustrations ★
‘“I’ve been in a similar situation,” Hall said on a Zoom call Monday, a day after signing a one-year, $8 million contract with the Sabres. “At one point in my career, I was a frustrated, young 22-year-old, 23-year-old. I know what that’s like, but I also know how quickly it can turn, and all of a sudden, you’re on a team that’s winning more games than it’s losing, you’re in a playoff hunt.”’
The Sabres Report - October 14, 2020
Can the Sabres afford to sign Taylor Hall to a long-term contract? ★
‘Hall’s salary would appear low for a 28-year-old left wing whose resume includes five NHL All-Star Game selections, six 20-goal seasons and a league MVP, but he acknowledged Monday that he had a subpar year in 2019-20. Rehabbing from a knee injury the previous summer, as well as a midseason trade to the defensive-minded Arizona Coyotes, contributed to his 16 goals and 36 assists in 65 games.’
Relationship with Krueger helped lure Hall to Buffalo ★
‘“It’s been a long time since I had seen Ralph like that and we just talked and he told me about Buffalo,” Hall said on a Zoom call Monday. “I could just see it in his face that he really wanted me there. It’s a good feeling to be wanted like that, it really is.”’
Johan Larsson had little dialogue with Sabres before leaving for Coyotes ★
‘Larsson, 28, just enjoyed arguably his best NHL season, becoming one of coach Ralph Krueger’s trusted forwards. The checking line the Swede pivoted between Zemgus Girgensons and Kyle Okposo quickly solidified itself as the Sabres’ steadiest combination. Krueger kept the trio intact nearly all season.’
Sabres' Hall 'was ready to jump at' opportunity to play alongside Eichel ★
‘”Obviously he was a great player before this year, but I thought he took a step into the conversation as one of the top five centres in the game and a player that can really move the needle. He’s the captain of the team, he’s got a long career ahead of him. For me, getting a chance to play with him was something that I was ready to jump at,” Hall said. “Last year, for me, I didn’t produce the way that I had in the previous couple years, and getting a chance to play with Jack and really try and help this team move forward is something that I look forward to doing and I’m excited about that.”‘