NHL Rumor Shootdown: Hall To Oilers Not Likely

There’s been a lot of speculation of late when it comes to Taylor Hall and his future with the New Jersey Devils. Some believe it’s a matter of time, if the Devils don’t go on a winning streak, before Hall decides he’ll decline an extension and test free agency. And, as a result of that decision, the Devils will trade him.

If that all comes to pass, the interesting trade destination that keeps coming up is in Edmonton and with the Edmonton Oilers. Elliotte Friedman got the buzz started when he suggested he could see the Oilers being a major suitor and attempt to reunite with Hall. After Friedman dropped that bomb, I dug deep into those comments and tried to imagine what that might look like.

Hall Will Have Choices

Forget for a minute that Edmonton would have to figure out how to work whatever salary Hall will command into their overall team cap, why would Hall not choose someone else first?

Just because the option in Edmonton exists, what makes people so certain he wouldn’t prefer a more comfortable destination? Maybe enough time has passed since the trade that Hall can call it water under the bridge (that’s a big maybe), or maybe he’s just saying the right things to not sound bitter, but he’s the biggest fish in next year’s crop of free agents. The NHL world is his oyster.

Leavins notes that Hall enjoyed the Canadian market but you know what else is fun? Winning and paying less taxes. And yes, a team that has a better chance to win and can ensure Hall keeps more money at the end of the day will come calling. They always do.

Don’t Get Your Hopes Up Oilers Fans

Taylor Hall to Edmonton is a nice story that would be neatly wrapped with a ribbon if it ever happens. It probably won’t.

There may be things working that make it possible, but there are far more things working against that deal, making it unlikely at best. Not to mention, there’s no telling if new GM Ken Holland is even interested.