‘In a conference call Sunday night, Adams said Hall was the team’s top target in free agency and that he initiated talks with Hall’s representatives immediately Friday afternoon. Meanwhile, coach Ralph Krueger also had several direct conversations with Hall. The 28-year-old was taken No. 1 overall by Edmonton in 2010 and played under Krueger when Krueger was both an assistant for the Oilers and the head coach for the 2013 lockout season.’
Archives for October 12, 2020
5 things about new Sabres winger Taylor Hall
‘Hall has played 82 games once in his career, in 2015-16, his final season in Edmonton. He then played 72 and 76 in his first two seasons in New Jersey before being limited to 33 in 2018-19 because of knee surgery. He played in 65 games in the coronavirus shortened season – 30 with New Jersey and 35 with Arizona.’
Arizona-bound Johan Larsson says there were no talks on deal with Sabres
‘”There wasn’t really much talk with Buffalo,” Larsson said a day after signing a two-year, $2.8 million deal with the Coyotes. “We talked a little bit, but I think the interest kind of was very low from Buffalo. I didn’t really feel the excitement from them so I moved on and wanted to try free agency.”‘
Taylor Hall signs one-year, $8 million contract with Sabres
‘Clearly, Hall, 28, is betting on his talents. Another dynamic season – he won the Hart Trophy with the New Jersey Devils in 2017-18 – will likely land him a lucrative long-term contract next year.’
Finding his fit: Why Taylor Hall picked Sabres over other suitors
‘“The way that Ralph had built a relationship in his time with Taylor previously absolutely played a big role in this,” he said.’
Sabres sign former Hart Trophy winner Hall to one-year, $8 million deal
‘One of the primary objectives for new Buffalo general manager Kevyn Adams this offseason has been improving the Sabres’ ability to score goals. At times last season Jack Eichel was Buffalo’s only scoring option. Having added Hall to go with veteran center Eric Staal, who the team signed last month, Adams is slowly bringing players in that should allow Buffalo to become a much improved offensive team this season.’
Taylor Hall shockingly signing with Buffalo Sabres
‘The short deal, which includes a no-move and no-trade clause, also allows the 28-year-old Hall the opportunity to maximize his value with the hopes of earning a longer, more lucrative contract next summer.’
Sabres agree to sign Taylor Hall to 1-year, $8 million deal
‘His addition, even for one year, provides the Sabres a much-needed boost of instant credibility — and offense — after missing the playoffs for a franchise-worst ninth straight year. The drought is the NHL’s longest active streak, and one short of matching a league record.’
Prized free agent Taylor Hall signs 1-year, $8M deal with Buffalo Sabres
‘Choosing the Sabres is a surprising move, considering that Hall has said that his No. 1 priority is the chance to win a Stanley Cup. The Sabres have not made the playoffs since 2011, the longest drought in the NHL.’
Why Taylor Hall going to the Sabres makes sense for both sides
‘Playing alongside Eichel all year will likely beef up Hall’s production, and inflated stats means a bigger bag when it comes time to renegotiate next offseason. (Just ask Jeff Skinner how important that can be.) Eichel probably isn’t the only draw for Hall, either. The Sabres are coached by Ralph Krueger, who the winger played under in Edmonton during the 2012-13 season. Hall thinks highly of his former (and new) coach.’