All off-season long the New Jersey Devils and Taylor Hall downplayed the importance of getting a contract extension done prior to the season.
The Devils talked about not rushing into anything and seeing how Hall responded following an injury that kept him out of hockey from Christmas onward, while Hall made it known he wants to play for a winner and see that the Devils are one, or becoming one, before committing long-term.
This led to the assumption Hall would enter the year – and perhaps even finish it – without an extension in place. You know what they say about assuming…
In the latest edition of TSN’s Insider Trading, Darren Dreger reported that not only have contract talks begun – but that they seem to be going quite well.
Here’s the full quote:
“Taylor Hall’s agent, Darren Ferris, met with the General Manager of the New Jersey Devils, Ray Shero, over the weekend and it sounds like they’re making some traction. You have to keep in mind Taylor Hall is coming off a significant injury. He loved the way he was treated by the Devils organization; very professional from start to finish. He likes what Ray Shero has done and the changes that he’s made to the lineup of the New Jersey Devils. It’s one of those situations that could happen sooner than later, which is saying a lot considering he’s in the final year of his contract.…
As far as the price goes, I’d think something in the ~$11 million range annually – Mitch Marner just got $10.89 per as a restricted free agent – over max eight-year term would make sense.
Hall has 130 points in 109 games with the Devils, a Hart Trophy in his back pocket, and is one of the team’s leaders. He’s going to get *paid* and it’s pretty hard to argue he doesn’t deserve to be.
I assume neither side wants the in-season distraction so, if the rumors are true, it’s probably fair to expect a conclusion prior to October 4th.