Sportsnet: It’s not looking likely that the New Jersey Devils will be getting Taylor Hall signed to an extension in-season.
“I think the Devils now know it’s unlikely they are going to be able to get a contract done during the year,” said Elliotte Friedman during the Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday.
“I think it’s up to (Devils GM) Ray Shero who is going to have to decide what the Devils’ course of action here is going to be, because I think it’s very unlikely he agrees to sign with them during the year.”
Agent Darren Ferris has a history of getting his clients to wait as long as you can to get a true sense of what the market is.
Rory Boylen of Sportsnet: Looking at eight teams that pending UFA Taylor Hall could play for next season.
New Jersey Devils – Can offer eight years and have the salary cap room.
Colorado Avalanche – Would be the most “fun” landing spot for Hall. They have lots of available space and a talented young team. They were looking to spend last offseason and can try again this offseason.
“They’re a legit contender, they’ve got a lot of assets,” Elliotte Friedman said about the Avs. “I do think, if Hall is available, I do think they’d be a team that’d look at him, but I think a lot of teams would look at him.”
Edmonton Oilers – Unlikely to happen and they don’t have the assets for an in-season trade.
Vancouver Canucks – Rebuild seems to be ahead of schedule. Elias Pettersson will be in for a big raise in 2021. The Canucks would need to move out some bad contracts to have the room for Hall.
San Jose Sharks – Could have $17 million in cap space this offseason, with Kevin Labanc to re-sign. They would have to make some other deals for cap room, but could go all-in.
Calgary Flames – Could have up to $22 million in cap space. Would they consider trading Johnny Gaudreau for futures and cheaper pieces and bringing in Hall to replace Gaudreau?
Florida Panthers – Have $18 million in projected cap space for next season. They have Evgenii Dadonov, Mike Hoffman, and some mid-level type contracts as pending free agents. Moving on from Hoffman would help create some space.
Pittsburgh Penguins – Could have $23 million in cap space. Goaltender Matt Murray needs a new deal. Signing Hall may be Alex Galchenyuk isn’t re-signed.