‘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.’
Archives for October 14, 2020
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.”‘
Arbitration dates are set for three Sabres restricted free agents
‘The Buffalo Sabres have three restricted free agents that are scheduled to meet with a league arbiter this fall, which includes forwards Sam Reinhart and Victor Olofsson, as well as goalie Linus Ullmark.’
Hall to wear No. 4 with Sabres
‘Hall wore 4 during his junior career with Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League and kept the number through his first six NHL seasons with the Edmonton Oilers. He switched to No. 9 after joining the New Jersey Devils, where 4 was retired for Hall-of-Fame defenseman Scott Stevens, then wore No. 91 during his stint with the Arizona Coyotes last season.’