Taylor Hall traded to the Coyotes, rumours ended.
The New Jersey Devils finally traded forward Taylor Hall to the Arizona Coyotes on Monday after several days of intense speculation.
The Devils get their hands on a first round pick in 2020, a conditional third round pick, as well as prospect Kevin Bahl, Nate Schnarr and Nick Merkley. The New Jersey formation also retains 50% of the star skater’s salary.
Hall’s name has been rumored for many weeks. The Albertan had been removed from the formation of Alain Nasreddine in the last two games of the “Devils” by “preventive measure”.
“I know they were trying to close the deal as quickly as possible. But when you’re waiting and healthy, it’s hard to be told not to play, “said Hall in a conference call. However, he looks forward to joining his new team on Tuesday as the Coyotes visit the San Jose Sharks.
In 30 meetings this year, the 28-year-old athlete collected 25 points. He spent the last year of a contract which earned him an average of $ 6 million annually and would become a free agent without compensation thereafter.
He was the top pick in the 2010 National Hockey League draft. The Edmonton Oilers then called his name. His original training exchanged him at the Devils in June 2016 for Adam Larsson.
“I was at a crossroads in my career when I joined the Devils,” said Hall. I was wondering if I would be a left winger on the first line or if I would go in another direction. I have become a better player with this team. ”
Hall had his best season in 2017-18, when he had 93 points in 76 games, a personal best. He had won the Hart Trophy that year, awarded to the player most useful to his team.
“I loved playing in New Jersey and for the fans there. Their support for the team and me has been great. After my career, when I turn 65, I will still remember the amateurs who chanted “MVP” for me. ”
Speers also leaves
Blake Speers is also heading to Arizona with Hall. The striker has collected a point in 10 games with the Devils school club this year.
Bahl is a 19 year old back who plays with the Ottawa 67’s in the Ontario Junior League. This season, he amassed five goals and 15 assists for 20 points. He was a second-round pick (55 th overall) in 2018.
For their part, forwards Schnarr and Merkley played in the American Hockey League with Tucson’s Roadrunners. The former had nine points, including a goal, in 22 games, while the latter hit the target three times and provided 13 assists for 16 points in 26 games.
Schnarr is a third round of selection (75 e in total) in 2017, while Merkley was one of the first-round Coyotes (30 e in total) in 2015.