There’s never a shortage of trade talk circling the Edmonton Oilers, with Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Nail Yakupov and the 4th overall pick at the 2016 draft all having their moment in the sun very early in the offseason. But there’s a new name in the mix: Taylor Hall.
Speaking to Edmonton’s TSN 1260 Darren Dreger said that “during the Stanley Cup Final, Taylor Hall’s name became more of a name of interest” for other GMs. The reasons are clear. If the Oilers are looking to make big moves, it’s worth calling to see what’s on the table, because it’s possible that the only untouchable is Connor McDavid.
If that’s the case, Hall would be a very nice addition for any competing team. Maybe seeing what Pittsburgh did with Phil Kessel is giving teams some ideas. Pittsburgh gave him a fresh start and got a lot out of an elite-level talent who hasn’t found team success as the focal point of an attack. Sounds pretty familiar.
Here’s the full quote from Dreger, courtesy of a Chris Nichols transcription:
And then you have to look at the big names in play here. Edmonton may have a couple. Eberle’s name has been out there forever. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ name has been out there. I’ll tell you what – during the Stanley Cup Final, Taylor Hall’s name became more of a name of interest than the other two, for obvious reasons.
And you’ve got the No. 4 pick. When I checked with Peter in just doing my due diligence on picks 1 through 5, well the sense is 1 of course isn’t going anywhere. Toronto is going to draft Matthews. Highly, highly unlikely Cheveldayoff moves No. 2, because he’ll likely grab onto Patrik Laine very quickly. No. 3? Yeah, that one is there. Jarmo Kekalainen could very well hold onto it. I know he’s had a couple of aggressive offers on the table for that pick. Not convinced he’s going to move it, but he’s listening. And so is Peter Chiarelli. Chiarelli said he’s not necessarily shopping that pick, but would he move it? Of course he would move it.