It appears Taylor Hall's days in New Jersey may be limited. According to TSN Insider Pierre LeBrun, Devils' GM Ray Shero has started listening to offers on the 28-year-old winger.
"Doesn't mean they will for sure trade him but given their place in the standings and the magnitude of a potential deal, GM Ray Shero is now in listening mode," said Lebrun.
Hall is two seasons removed from his Hart Trophy winning year when he had 39 goals and 93 points. While he has four goals and 21 points in 24 games this season, it looks like New Jersey won't have much of a chance of making the playoffs as they currently sit second-to-last in the Eastern Conference. The assets that could be acquired by trading Hall makes it an attractive venture for a team looking to build for the future rather than attempting to win now. LeBrun said he expects any trade would require a clause that gives New Jersey added assets if Hall signs an extension with his new team.
"If and when he's dealt, I would expect the deal to have a conditional nature to it so that if he re-signs with his new club there will be additional asset(s)... Either way, this isn't necessarily a deal _ if it happens _ that must wait until the Feb. 24 deadline."
Hall becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. For a team in New Jersey's position to risk losing him for nothing would be unwise, to say the least. He would certainly be a big boost to a team looking to go deep in the playoffs. While there's no word on the exact asking price, it's a safe bet that Hall won't come cheap.
As for questions regarding a possible trade, Hall told reporters they should all be directed to either Shero or his agent. H did says he has not requested a trade.
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Hall's name has been linked by many analysts to the Montreal Canadiens. However, should Montreal continue it's current losing streak and slip further out of a playoff spot, dealing assets for a player like Hall may become less of a viable option for the team.
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Greg Wyshinski of ESPN reported a different possible destination for Hall...the Avs.
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