Taylor Hall chose to concentrate on the Buffalo Sabres’ advantages rather than give in to the pessimism that surrounds the team.
One factor was the chance to work with captain Jack Eichel. Another is to play for Ralph Krueger, a coach you know well. It was enough to push Hall over the top when you consider Buffalo’s proximity to his Toronto home and the Sabres’ willingness to sign him to a one-year contract that would allow him to keep his options open for the following season.
A day after agreeing to a $8 million contract, Hall stated in a video chat on Monday that “when you look past some of the smoke and some of the stuff that’s happened to the Sabres over the last couple of years, under the hood, there’s some really good pieces.”
A day after agreeing to a $8 million contract, Hall stated in a video chat on Monday that “when you look past some of the smoke and some of the stuff that’s happened to the Sabres over the last couple of years, under the hood, there’s some really good pieces.”
“It’s interesting to watch hockey. He continued, “Three years ago, nobody would have predicted that Colorado would be the top choice. Colorado is home to the Nathan MacKinnon-led Avalanche, who have made three straight postseason appearances after winning only one from 2011 to 2017. “Especially if you have elite pieces like the Sabres do, things can turn pretty quick.”
When the NHL’s free-agency period began on Friday, the 10-year veteran and 2018 MVP was the best forward available. Despite acknowledging that he had received offers from other organizations for longer contracts, Taylor ultimately agreed to a one-year trial deal with Buffalo.
“I prefer not to refer to it as a ‘Prove it’ transaction. It’s kind of a ‘Show me’ situation, according to Hall. “I’m banking on myself, of course, but I also think the Sabres can get better and have a successful hockey season. Without it, I wouldn’t be at this place.
Hall, who was moved to Arizona by the New Jersey Devils in December, is now on his third team in two years after being selected by Edmonton with the top choice in the 2010 draft.