The New Jersey Devils could be Stanley Cup contenders in short order if they sign Taylor Hall to a contract extension soon. This feels like a no brainer.
The New Jersey Devils are back in the news as far as their superstar left-wing contract negotiations. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic (subscription only) released a piece that went over current notes on the current contract negotiations between Taylor Hall‘s agent and Devils general manager Ray Shero. They were discussed in a positive manner as it appears Hall wants to stay in New Jersey.
Then later in the day, TSN insider Darren Dreger went on the air and gave some insight. He claims they are making some traction, and he loves how he is treated in New Jersey. Dreger also claims that Hall loves what Shero has done with the team as far as constructing a new roster. He believes it could be done sooner than later.
That is amazing news for Devils fans. Hall is one of the best players to come through the organization ever and has made a major impact in three short years. When he is healthy, he is one of the four or five best wingers in the entire National Hockey League. He can drive offense like a center, use his speed to make plays, and sees the ice as good as any player in the league.
Him signing a long term deal would change the infrastructure of the Devils for the next half-decade and then some. It would secure having a game-breaking offensive player on the roster, and he could be joined by others like Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. Those two are still developing, but New Jersey is no doubt building a great young core that Hall can be the center of.
There are a lot of reasons for Taylor Hall to want to stay. Ray Shero has shown time and time again now that he is willing to take chances and acquire great players. It all started when he made the big splash to acquire Hall from the Edmonton Oilers. There have been plenty of other moves done since then to help supplement the team and they are now on the rise. That is just the hockey part of it, as he is treated like royalty by management and fans off the ice as well.
This is a special talent that can go on to be an all-time great New Jersey Devils player. He is already almost there as he is the only player in team history to win the Hart Trophy as league MVP. He also had one of the best offensive seasons in team history and could go on to be a legendary player for this team. If he brings the team to a Stanley Cup or even keeps on the same pace as he has been, he is also the type of player that can have his jersey retired if he stays elite on a consistent basis. It would be amazing for a lot of people if Hall’s camp and Shero can get this done and done soon.