“Under the hood, there’s some really good pieces 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,” Hall remarked in a video conversation on Monday, one day after agreeing to a $8 million contract.
“Hockey is a fascinating sport. The Avalanche, headed by Nathan MacKinnon, has made three straight playoff appearances following only one from 2011–17. “Three years ago, no one would have thought that Colorado would be the No. 1 destination,” he continued. “It can happen quite quickly, particularly if you have elite players like the Sabres.”
The top forward available when the NHL’s free-agency period began on Friday was the ten-year veteran and 2018 NHL MVP. Taylor also agreed to a one-year test-run contract with Buffalo, although acknowledging that he had received longer-term offers from many organizations.
It’s not a ‘Prove it’ deal, in my opinion. It’s kind of like a ‘Show me’ thing, Hall remarked. Though I’m obviously banking on myself, I also think the Sabres can get better and have a successful hockey season. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.
Hall is on his third team in two years after being dealt to Arizona by the New Jersey Devils in December. Hall was chosen by Edmonton with the top choice in the 2010 draft.