What Taylor Hall’s Ranking Means for New Jersey Devils

NHL Network released their list of the top 20 wingers on Sunday evening. As expected, the list is a group of elite players. Among the players on the list, was New Jersey Devils’ own Taylor Hall. We know that Hall deserved to be on the list, but his spot on the list, and some of the players below him tell a lot about how the world is starting to view him as a player.

Last year, even coming off of a down year offensively on the worst Devils team since the 1980s, he still ranked 20th on their list. This time around, his 93 points and Hart Trophy earned him the number three spot on the list. This is remarkable for Devils fans, and the team as an organization.

Especially when you think about who comes in right behind him at four is Patrick Kane. The same Patrick Kane that’s a three time Stanley Cup Champion, Conn Smythe, Art Ross and Hart Trophy winner. The big wigs at NHL Network think Hall is better than that guy right now. If that isn’t high praise from highly-ranked media, then i don’t know what is.

The best part of the whole thing is that the Devils have a player on their side who is an elite player who shows no sign of stopping. He should be able to help them offensively for many years to come. He can help youngsters like Nico Hischier elevate their game. Every team that competes for the Stanley Cup has players like Hall, so having him around is certainly a great starting point.

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It also means they can expect him to be a true leader going forward. Normally, it’s not a great idea to take this much stock into lists like this, but when a guy on your team is named amongst the greats in the game, it is something to be excited about.

The next wonder is if Hall can do it again. Many believe that answer is yes for a variety of reasons. The first is Hischier will likely get even better. His 52 points in 2017-18 were good for second on the team, only to Hall. Taylor credited Nico for his help when he talked about winning the Hart Trophy. What can a Hischier with some more experience and man muscle do for Hall?

Kyle Palmieri is a sniper who sees premier power play time with Hall on the top unit, and he scored 24 goals in only 62 games last season. That projects to 31 goals over 82 games. A full 82 games out of Palmieri could absolutely help Hall continue his scoring magic, as he is always a threat to blast pucks past goaltenders.

Taylor, if healthy, should post anywhere from 82-100 points next season. Maybe 100 gets him to #1 on their list.