Ex-Oiler Taylor Hall Once Again Linked to Longer Term Reunion With Former Team
Former Oilers first overall draft pick Taylor Hall is likely to be traded this season, and has once again been linked to a reunion with the Edmonton Oilers.
Reports surfaced earlier this year that the Oilers could trade for Hall this season, potentially as a trial run before signing him in free agency.
Taylor Hall has just been named on Daily FaceOff's new trade bait list, and Oilers analyst Zach Laing has linked Edmonton to a potential reunion with him.
»If there's a scenario where Evander Kane isn't able to return from injury during the regular season, it would make sense for Edmonton to sniff around the forward ranks, too. Hall's contributions this season have seen him drive offence at a six percent rate above league average and defence at a three percent rate below league average, according to Hockey Viz.»
- Zach Laing, OilersNation If Evander Kane is not returning before the playoffs begin, the Oilers may have the salary cap space to add a player like Hall and a defenceman. However if Kane returns before playoffs, adding Hall wouldn't make sense.
Is a Reunion Between Taylor Hall and Edmonton Oilers Really Possible?
Oilers writer David Staples suggested that Edmonton may have interest in signing Taylor Hall in free agency next year, and could run a trial run this year.
»Chicago will unload the veteran winger at the deadline for an asset. It is inevitable. The former MVP and Edmonton Oiler could be a summer option in Edmonton. Would a playoff run be the best way to road test that option?»
- Kurt Leavins
Taylor Hall has 8 goals and 21 points through 40 games this season, impressive totals on a very poor Blackhawks team.
However, even if Kane doesn't return until the playoffs and the Oilers can trade for Hall at a cheap price, adding another veteran winger this year may not make much sense. A center add would be more desirable at forward anyway.
When the Oilers have a need for more bottom six wingers next season, perhaps signing Hall in free agency could be a good move - but right now, Hall isn't needed at all.
POLL |
JANVIER 9 | 146 ANSWERS Ex-Oiler Taylor Hall Once Again Linked to Longer Term Reunion With Former Team Do you think the Oilers should target Taylor Hall this season in trade or next season in free agency? |
Trade for him | 53 | 36.3 % |
Sign him | 93 | 63.7 % |
List of polls |
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