New Jersey Devils: Outcome of Taylor Hall Trade Could Cost Ray Shero

The hockey world was buzzing over the weekend when the New Jersey Devils announced left wing Taylor Hall would be held out of the lineup for “precautionary” reasons, amidst rising speculation a trade involving the star winger was imminent. The weekend has passed and despite a few false flags, Hall has yet to be dealt.

While hockey analysts and insiders confirmed talks have escalated between the New Jersey Devils and other teams, reasons for the holdup reportedly range from General Manager Ray Shero being dissatisfied with offers, the possibility Shero might have played his cards too early by leveraging proposed packages from other teams to get a more bountiful return, or playing the “mystery team” card, a bluff (if that’s the case) that appears to have been largely called by Hall’s suitors.

Whatever the reasons, Shero cannot afford to get the short end of the stick whenever he executes a trade for Taylor Hall. Sentiments toward Shero already seem to be souring among New Jersey Devils fans amidst their abysmal performance this season, which comes in the wake of what was perceived to be a bountiful and triumphant summer for the organization. Hall’s inevitable departure will set the organization further back, but the extent of this regression lies heavily on the return for Hall.

Shero’s asking price is reportedly revolving around an established or NHL-ready defenseman and first round pick, which would be satisfactory for the most part, given the team’s glaring need for quality blue liners. Considering the team’s underwhelming progress over his five seasons, a lackluster return for Hall could prompt ownership to evaluate Shero’s standing with the organization.

Despite orchestrating the Devil’s first return to the playoffs since 2012, it’s been New Jersey’s only postseason berth in seven years (more than likely to be eight come April). Ownership has been patient and supportive of Shero’s plan, but especially after failing to meet their heightened expectations going into 2019-2020, something’s got to give. This isn’t to say botching a Taylor Hall trade should automatically warrant Shero’s termination, but would definitely be more than enough reason to put him under close watch.

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Timing is becoming a growing factor however, due to the December 19 roster freeze swiftly approaching, along with general managers appearing reluctant to part with the assets Shero is coveting. Throw in how the precautionary reasons for Hall’s withholding from the lineup have pointed to a trade being on the horizon, not getting something done by 11:59 PM on Wednesday night (roster freeze kicks in at midnight) could tarnish Shero’s crafty persona that he attained after completing the trade that got Hall in the first place.

Given the current circumstances, it wouldn’t be a good look if Hall isn’t traded by the roster freeze deadline and certainly exasperate anxieties among New Jersey Devils fans, but you ultimately can’t fault Shero for holding firm on his asking price—for now. With the trade deadline over two months away, Shero can presently afford to stand his ground, but must be extremely wary if he’s willing to make any concessions.

The ultimate goal in a return for Hall is to acquire future building blocks capable of making an immediate or forthcoming impact, namely where the roster needs improvement most (like the defense). If stagnant trade talks are deriving from general manager’s unwillingness to meet Shero’s asking price, he could try to make reasonable compromises like retaining a percentage of Hall’s salary and cap hit, making first round picks conditional, or sweetening the pot by including other assets (Miles Wood is reportedly available).

Ideally, teams could always attempt to negotiate an extension with Hall, but that currently doesn’t appear to be an option. Hall’s agent Dan Ferris prefers having his clients hold out as long as possible so they can more accurately gauge how the player is valued on the open market. It appears the trade talks surrounding Hall are under the notion he’ll be acquired as a rental, but that could always change.

Teams are definitely interested in acquiring Taylor Hall, but seem extremely apprehensive at meeting Shero’s asking price, especially if under the impression he’s only being acquired as a rental. It’ll be an intricate equation to solve, but Shero has the time and flexibility to finalize a trade that general managers will be comfortable with doing, while meeting his terms. If Shero winds up caving and settling for less however, the ramifications won’t be ideal for his standing as general manager or the organization’s future.

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