New Jersey Devils 2015 First Round Pick: Who’s Worth Trading It For?
By David Berger
Dec 14, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Taylor Hall (4) is followed behind the net by New York Rangers defensemen Dan Girardi (5) during the second period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Taylor Hall
by Frank Maduri
Taylor Hall was the first overall selection in the 2010 NHL Draft and is known for his speed as he finished second in the skills competition’s fastest skaterr early in his career at the 2011 All Star weekend. Hall is a key player for the Edmonton Oilers and at 6 feet 1 inch and 200 pounds is the ideal combination of size and speed for a left winger.
He is known for his ability to score goals at key points in games, has very good passing ability for a wing player, and he has a propensity to score on the power play unit when the team seems to really need a goal. In fact, he still finished among the leaders in power play goals even after shoulder surgery ended his second season in the league prematurely back in 2011-12.
Hall uses his blazing speed and excellent skating ability to stretch the defense of the opposition. In 2012-13 he finished 9th in the NHL in goals scored, and his 34 assists tallied made him 8th in the NHL in overall points. His production has tailed off this season with 11 goals and 19 assists for 30 total points, after he had 80 points in the 2013-14 campaign. However that production drop off is due to injuries as he has played just one game since January 20th and he was just placed on injured reserve for six weeks with a fractured ankle.
Taylor Hall has missed 60 games because of injuries in his five year career not including the games he will miss on this injured reserve stint. Despite the injuries he has been very productive as his career totals indicate: 255 points in 288 games to go along with 103 goals. He has excellent skills and is capable of being a real game changing player with dynamic speed and scoring capability. He’s definitely worth a first round pick.
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