Trade Talk: Shopping Taylor Hall

Taylor Hall’s name is out there. Rightly or wrongly, it has people talking and proposing all kinds of outlandish trade scenarios.

The reality is, Hall is the best player on the Edmonton Oilers and the closest thing that team has to a franchise guy. If general manager turned temporary head coach Craig MacTavish is seriously contemplating trading this type of talent, it tells us one of two things — either Hall is a problem in the dressing room, or Hall has requested a move. There have been rumblings of the former, that Hall isn’t a team player and hasn’t bought into the “plan”, but the latter wouldn’t be totally shocking either. The first overall pick from 2010 might finally be fed up with not only the constant losing but the overall dysfunction of the Oilers — and he may want out. Or it could be a combination of both.

Whatever the case, if — and this is still a massive IF — MacTavish pulls the trigger on a deal involving Hall, he needs to shop him around to ensure the best return possible. That might explain why Hall’s name was leaked to hockey insiders, to drum up more interest and to let everybody know he’s available without MacTavish having to make 29 outgoing calls. Instead, he can sit back and field offers, of which there will be plenty — upwards of 29 — because what team wouldn’t want to add a player of Hall’s calibre? He’s one of the top left-wingers in the league, just entering his prime, on a very reasonable $6-million salary for 5 more years through 2019-20. Oh, and his contract doesn’t include a no-trade clause, so every team would have equal opportunity to acquire him.

To that end, Hall’s also Edmonton’s best trade chip if the Oilers are considering a shakeup to their young core that MacTavish gave a public vote of confidence to as recently as last week. Hall’s worth more than Jordan Eberle as well as fellow first overall picks Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Nail Yakupov. He’s also better than those players, by a fairly significant margin, which makes this a potentially regrettable move.

That potential is high. Typically, whenever you trade the best player in any deal — especially a superstar like Hall — you end up losing the deal. The team that gets the best player winds up the winner, regardless of the package going the other way. There have been exceptions over the years, but they are few and far between.

Worth noting, blockbusters of this nature rarely come to fruition mid-season. The salary cap will stand in the way of some deals, while contenders won’t want to rock the boat or mess with their roster makeup. So this Hall situation could linger until the NHL draft in June or further into the off-season. Time is on MacTavish’s side because Hall’s value isn’t likely to go down between now and then. However, if he’s actually causing chaos and making enemies behind the scenes, MacTavish might try to expedite the process, which could mean accepting less to get a deal done in the near future.

What Edmonton Needs

Assuming the wheels are in motion and this isn’t a bogus rumour — MacTavish has yet to deny it, or address it — then the Oilers need a targeted return. As a perennial bottom feeder, Edmonton obviously has plenty of needs. In order to justify a deal of this magnitude, without further enraging a volatile fan base, MacTavish must land one of the following:

• A true top-pairing defenceman.

• An established top-six centre.

• A proven starting goaltender.

• A legitimate replacement for Hall.

Fail to acquire one of those four key elements — all of which Edmonton is currently lacking — and it could set off a riot in the so-called City of Champions. The Oilers don’t necessarily need more draft picks or even top prospects, although at least one of each is traditionally included with these mega-deals.

Potential Trading Partners

Without a no-trade clause, Hall will have no say in the matter, but if he’s asking to be dealt, he might not care where he goes. He may think anywhere is better than Edmonton.

MacTavish, on the other hand, will probably have a couple preferred destinations in mind. That being, the Eastern Conference and as far away from Edmonton as physically possible.

You can forget about the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks. The rest of the Pacific Division teams — Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks and Arizona Coyotes — are also long-shots barring a big-time overpayment. Maybe don’t rule out the Sharks and Coyotes completely as both those teams could use an overhaul as well. Ditto for the Colorado Avalanche, who have went from the top to the bottom of the Central Division in a calendar year, while the Winnipeg Jets could also come calling. Those would be the four most likely suitors from the Western Conference, while the East is full of possibilities. You’d have to think the Buffalo Sabres, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets, in order, would top that list. But even the conference-leading Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings would have substantial interest and the assets to perhaps get a deal done. That’s 10 teams right there, seemingly ready to spark up negotiations.

Let’s See Some Offers

Proposal 1

To San Jose Sharks = Taylor Hall and Tyler Pitlick

To Edmonton Oilers = Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl

Logan Couture
Logan Couture

ANALYSIS: Hall is more valuable than Couture straight up and likewise with Hertl to Pitlick. Couture is capable of playing centre or wing, which fills either need for Edmonton. Hall has an extra gear and gamebreaking ability in comparison to anybody else in the deal.

Proposal 2

To Arizona Coyotes = Taylor Hall

To Edmonton Oilers = Keith Yandle, Henrik Samuelsson and 1st-round pick in 2015

Keith Yandle
Keith Yandle

ANALYSIS: Yandle is a top-pairing defenceman without a no-trade clause, which makes him a rare commodity although he only has one more season left on this contract. Samuelsson is a former Edmonton Oil Kings player, so he’s well known to the Oilers’ brass and he’s a big-bodied winger, which the Oilers lack. The pick is an insurance policy for Edmonton in case Yandle can’t be convinced to stick around past next season.

Proposal 3

To Colorado Avalanche = Taylor Hall

To Edmonton Oilers = Gabriel Landeskog, Stefan Elliott and 2nd-round pick in 2015

Gabriel Landeskog
Landeskog

ANALYSIS: Landeskog is more of a leader but not nearly as talented or explosive as Hall. Elliott is a throw-in at Edmonton’s request as he doesn’t appear to be in Colorado’s future plans, while the pick balances out the overall value.

Proposal 4

To Winnipeg Jets = Taylor Hall and Jeff Petry

To Edmonton Oilers = Evander Kane, Dustin Byfuglien and Adam Lowry

Evander Kane
Evander Kane

ANALYSIS: Hall is again better than Kane but Byfuglien is better than Petry. Lowry gets added because Edmonton wants an NHL-ready centre in the deal and Winnipeg agrees in order to land a franchise player.

Proposal 5

To Buffalo Sabres = Taylor Hall and Jeff Petry

To Edmonton Oilers = Tyler Myers, Nikita Zadorov, Mikhail Grigorenko and 2nd-round pick in 2015

Tyler Myers
Tyler Myers

ANALYSIS: Hall is by far the best player in the deal but Edmonton gets two top-pairing defencemen and a big centre to pair with Yakupov, plus a decent pick. Before Buffalo fans get up in arms, remember you could also be adding Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel to play with Hall, that is providing the Sabres stop winning sooner than later.

Proposal 6

To Ottawa Senators = Taylor Hall

To Edmonton Oilers = Mika Zibanejad, Jared Cowen and 1st-round pick in 2015

Mika Zibanejad
Mika Zibanejad

ANALYSIS: Zibanejad is a capable top-six centre, Cowen is a big defenceman with top-pairing upside if he reaches his potential and the pick could be top 10, giving Edmonton two more blue-chippers counting their own likely lottery pick. Ottawa gets a star forward to complement Bobby Ryan and Kyle Turris on a potent top line.

Proposal 7

To Boston Bruins = Taylor Hall, Andrew Ference and Martin Marincin

To Edmonton Oilers = Dougie Hamilton, Carl Soderberg and Malcolm Subban

Dougie Hamilton
Hamilton

ANALYSIS: This only works if Hall and Ference get along. If not, substitute Ference for Petry. Hall is more valuable than Hamilton and Boston won’t likely be able to afford Soderberg past this season as he’s an unrestricted free agent in line for a big raise. Edmonton can pay him, and the Oilers also get their much-needed goaltender of the future, while Marincin could develop into a force under Chara’s guidance.

Proposal 8

To Columbus Blue Jackets = Taylor Hall, Jeff Petry and Martin Marincin

To Edmonton Oilers = Ryan Johansen, Scott Hartnell and James Wisniewski

Ryan Johansen
Ryan Johansen

ANALYSIS: Edmonton apparently inquired about Johansen’s availability and the answer was no, but that’s assuming Hall’s name wasn’t in the conversation. They are a decent swap, though Hall is still more dynamic. Petry is a pending UFA but Hartnell is a salary dump, so consider them a wash. Marincin is supposedly coveted by a lot of teams, while Wisniewski would give Edmonton an upgrade on defence. Wisniewski does have a modified no-trade clause, so if he wouldn’t waive for Edmonton, then substitute David Savard.

Proposal 9

To Pittsburgh Penguins = Taylor Hall

To Edmonton Oilers = Olli Maatta, Derrick Pouliot, Tristan Jarry and 1st-round pick in 2015

Olli Maatta
Olli Maatta

ANALYSIS: Similar to the Buffalo deal, Edmonton gets two potential top-pairing defencemen, plus their future starting goaltender in Jarry, who currently plays for the Oil Kings. The pick is the price you pay to put Hall on a line with Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin, which makes the Penguins an obvious Stanley Cup favourite for years to come.

Proposal 10

To Detroit Red Wings = Taylor Hall and Jeff Petry

To Edmonton Oilers = Riley Sheahan, Anthony Mantha, Teemu Pulkkinen and Ryan Sproul

Riley Sheahan
Riley Sheahan

ANALYSIS: There is both quantity and quality in this return package. Sheahan is a top-nine centre with size, Mantha is one of the best power-forward prospects in the league, Pulkkinen is leading the AHL in scoring and a sniper at that level, and Sproul is a gifted offensive defenceman. Detroit is the only team in the league that could afford to move four top prospects like that without totally depleting its pipeline. The Red Wings know Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg don’t have many years left, not to mention coach Mike Babcock’s contract is expiring, so they might be willing to go all-in for another Cup run. Adding Hall up front would be huge and Petry would fit the bill as that right-handed defenceman Detroit has been searching for, plus he’s a Michigan native who would almost certainly re-sign with the Red Wings.

Bracing for backlash from fans of 11 different teams, including the Oilers, dare I ask: Your thoughts? Feel free to add your own proposals in the comments below.

Larry Fisher is a sports reporter for The Daily Courier in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. Follow him on Twitter: @LarryFisher_KDC.

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bcisleman
bcisleman
9 years ago

Josh Bailey, Ryan Pulock, Michael Dal Colle and 2016 1st rounder.

Ron
Ron
9 years ago

Or maybe the possibility that Hall is under investigation for the beating of a bar patron on Whyte Ave that might want the Oilers to distance themselves from him. He has been nothing but a total dush to the good people of Edmonton because he thinks he is above them for being a good hockey player, but players like Gretzky and Ryan Smith have set the Bar high for treatment of people here and Hall ain’t making the grade.

TMac
TMac
9 years ago

Sorry, but I have to agree with the first post about Detroit. There is no way Holland would even think of giving up any of that for Hall. Out of those you mentioned, Pulk would be the most likely traded and why would they? Pulk is a RH shot (something The Wings are missing this season) and so is Sproul. Sproul has a lot of up side and is going to be in Detroit next season. Mantha is untouchable because Detroit is not trading him. KH would rather keep all four of those pieces for the future than trade them for two guys for help right now. Oh, and if they were going to trade a package like that, it would be for Tyler Myers (someone they really want) not someone that “might be on the block”.

Anthony
Anthony
10 years ago

Oh boy… The Detroit proposal. Most people think that is NOT enough to get Hall? Honestly, to all the people outside of the Detroit/Grand Rapids market, those 4 guys are way too valuable to this organization to even consider trading. I am not knocking Hall, or Petry, but Sheahan, Mantha, Pulkkinen and Sproul is too much of an overpayment if we were trying to land Shea Weber, or Parise and Suter. That is just too much future for Holland to give up. Sheahan has pretty much made Darren Helm tradable. If you want him, you can have him. Mantha is a grade A, blue chip prospect, the best Detroit has had in a very long, LONG time. If Detroit made that deal, would it help out this year in a Stanley Cup run? Maybe, and that is being generous in saying maybe. Keeping Sheahan, Sproul and Mantha is more important to this organization that gutting our top prospects for Hall, who makes a ton of money and Petry who will make a ton of money next year. I understand Hall has immense value, throw Petry in there and it grows even more. But honestly, we have three d-men in Grand Rapids right now, Sproul, Marchenko and Jensen that are all close to being NHL ready and are all right handed, so sooner than later, our needs for a RH’d shooting defenseman are going to be met internally. Pulkkinen is a top prospect for sure, but I could honestly live without him. I could live without Helm as well. I’d be interested in seeing what Edmonton would accept from Detroit for just Hall, but again, the phone gets hung up with any mention of Sheahan, Mantha or Larkin for that matter. I am not going to call you a moron like others, but I will say, in my opinion, that is a lopsided deal for Edmonton considering the importance those four players are to the future of Detroit. I know both Hall and Petry are young and would be Red Wings for years and years to come, but man, I just couldn’t part with those 4 guys. Come up with something involving Helm in stead of Sheahan, and leave Petry out of the deal and maybe we’ll talk.

Terry Dokken
Terry Dokken
10 years ago

I think that Taylor Hall is being over rated in most of these deals. He is an elite winger in the NHL but I would not put him at the top of the list. He has not scored in 10 games and lately he has not been the Oilers best player. I don’t care how bad your team is, if you are an elite player you should still put up decent numbers and Hall is not doing that. Will he be a great winger for many years, absolutely, but the style of hockey he plays will not allow him to have a long career and he is accident prone because of his style of play. You put Taylor Hall on a team that he is not the franchise player and doesn’t have to carry it on his shoulders, that’s when Taylor Hall will put up huge numbers. Look at Tyler Seguin, his numbers are off the chart in Dallas because there is a strong supporting cast. I hope Hall gets traded and has an awesome career.

Dave
Dave
10 years ago

Some of these potential deals are ridiculously more over priced than others, as some have indicated. The Bruins are apparently getting robbed lol. One of the best Canadian goaltender prospects in the world, one of the best young defensemen in the world, and their “current” most productive center-man in Soderberg, for the oft-injured Hall haha. Meanwhile we have Ottawa in almost a one for one swap with the almost entirely useless Zibanejad lol.

Ross
Ross
10 years ago

I don’t see them being in this position, but if the Preds were in play for Hall, what would a package from them include? (And please, please don’t bring up Weber, that will never happen)

Ross
Ross
10 years ago
Reply to  Larry Fisher

I think Jones would be tough given that he has potential to be their next franchise d’man. Maybe they would consider Josi in a different package deal. But your idea would be a fair one IMO.

Rick
Rick
10 years ago

As an Arizona Coyotes fan, your deal doesn’t seem too outrageous. Although, given our current standing in the League and how we’re more than likely to finish, we have a strong chance at Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel. We’d need Yandle in order to make that chemistry work, because he’s been our points leader for a couple of seasons now.

Anthony
Anthony
10 years ago

I’m curious to know if you feel the Devils could put together a package to land Hall? I would spare Gelinas, Larsen and a First round in 2015. I watch a lot of Oilers hockey and although Hall may not be a leader in the dressing room he certainly leads by example on the ice.

Anthony
Anthony
10 years ago
Reply to  Anthony

I meant Henrique, Gelinas or Larsen and a first round in 2015

Tyson Gibbons
10 years ago

Really interesting, I totally agree that moving out Hall is a loss regardless, but, I think this was written by a hardcore Oilers fan. Some of the deals are just crazy. Proposal 3, I don’t see the Av’s having any real interest in moving out Landeskog unless they get Hall plus. I can’t see them seeing Landeskog as less valuable than Hall.

Proposal 6 is about the only one that really makes any sense for both clubs. Proposal 7 with the Bruins is ridiculous. Hamilton is more valuable to the Bruins than Hall would be due to their need for a no.1 D man now that Chara is regressing. Proposal 8 is terrible, the idea that the Jackets would give up 3 core players for Hall and some spare parts is absurd. CBJ doesn’t look at Hartnell as a salary dump…honestly this was almost hard to read. Just silly.

That being said, No.3, No.9 and No.10 could be realistic (along with no.6). BUT anything Oilers related might be best served from another source as this is sort of like how I used to think Michael J Fox was perfect to play Wolverine. I just loved Michael J Fox so….not really objective. That being said Fisher is arguably the most interesting read on the site so keep it up.

Chris
Chris
10 years ago

How about Philly ? They could send something like B.Schenn/L.Schenn or Corburn/ Vinny/Emery/N.Cousin for Hall/Schultz…..

Thomas
Thomas
10 years ago

Minnesota wild??

Mike
Mike
10 years ago

I’d say Boston gives up Subban, Ericsson,Joe Morrow,and either their first pick next year, or 2 second rounders they got for Boychuk. Hamilton is untouchable, Dont want to see Soderberg or Smith go either, ditto Krug or Marchand. I’d think the B’s have to have some combination of AHL talent and draft picks Edmonton would take along with Subban and Ericsson. Considering how much the Oilers need, the more players they get in return, the better so they can weed through and find the guys they need. I dont see Boston blowing the roster up for Hall though, too many uncertainties….

Barry Klob
Barry Klob
10 years ago

Your Detroit trade is insane! Two top offensive prospects and the top defensive prospect in Detroit’s system in addition to a versatile young roster center with good size and speed for a rental defenseman and a winger who hasn’t cracked 30 goals in a season despite playing top line minutes. Ken Holland would be shot if he made this deal. I mean, are you on drugs or something? That’s not rhetorical, I want an answer, are you taking drugs of some sort that are affecting your judgement?

Barry Klob
Barry Klob
10 years ago
Reply to  Larry Fisher

What others are saying this? Oilers fans? Hall is an over-valued asset with “BUST” written all over him. His junior numbers aren’t even as good as Mantha’s. If we want an impact player when Dats and Z are gone, we’ll just wait for Mantha to hit his prime. The fact is if Hall can’t even carry Edmonton to the playoffs there’s no case to be made that he can take Detroit to a Cup.

John Falcone
10 years ago

How about a trade with the Islanders – Taylor Hall for Griffin Reinhart, Michael Grabner and Josh Bailey.

StevieAlf
10 years ago

Very lopsided for edmonton. As a penguins fan you get either or, maatta or pouliot. The package i would propose would be; Maatta OR Pouliot, Despres, Jarry, 1st rd pick 2015, 3rd 2016

Vic Galea
Vic Galea
10 years ago

That’s too expensive for Detroit. Mantha has the potential to be “Hall-like”. Shea is developing game by game. Pulky will be in Detroit next year.

Matthew Rizzo
10 years ago

I will make a comment on the team I know. The Pens would NEVER make that trade. It is WAY to one-sided. You’re talking one current top-defenseman, Maatta (who will inevitably be even better), Pouliot will most likely be the same pedigree player, and a first round pick?! I mean, Hall isn’t a BAD player, but he has had ONE stellar season. ONE. Yes, he is still young, and yes, his points would skyrocket on the Pens. But the cap hit and his “uncoachable” tag plastered across his forehead makes him MUCH less valuable on the open market. Teams are reluctant to bring in a notorious “problem” player, but if they do, they aren’t going to give up half the farm for it.

Not to mention, the trade wouldn’t work, as Hall is $6M and I am pretty sure the Pens don’t have the cap space, even with Duper gone for the season.

NL
NL
10 years ago

Dealing Hall to change the culture, and getting Evander Kane & Byfuglien in return? Zero point to that.

pf
pf
10 years ago

Islanders & Oilers have good trading history. Bailey, Grabner & Donovan or Pulock for Hall.

Andy
Andy
10 years ago

Bruins won’t trade Hamilton, at least they better not. He is the foundation of their defense going forward after Chara retires. Subban, Soderberg and maybe Lucic or Marchand. I would hate to lose either of those guys but Hall would be worth it.

kevin
kevin
10 years ago

you guys are both kinda daft on the Boston Bruins….the B’s are not going to trade a 1st round draft pick, 6’5” premier defensemen like Dougie Hamilton. Similar to Torey Krug (but much bigger), Hamilton is the only other Bruins defensemen who possesses a great offensive skill set. His ability to take chances rushing the puck and attacking down low in the offensive zone while still effectively covering the point, is indispensable to the Bruins and the future of their d-line in a post Chara era. Look for “softer” players with low production to be on the trade block, like Loui Eriksson…who at 5 goals on the season, looks like another poorly executed trade by Chiarelli, as Tyler Sequien has racked up 23 goals and 15 assists for Dallas this year.

Juice
Juice
10 years ago

Since When do the Sharks need an Overhaul? I still dont understand this. They need a Defensman. and thats pretty much it…… i wouldnt trade logan coture for him, Sometime i dont get what people are talking about …. when i team is 17-11 thats not Overhall time. Please when you make a statement like that have some facts to back is up.

TJ
TJ
10 years ago

How about the Islanders? He’d be great on the top line with Tavares and Okposo. What do you think would be a fair trade?

Lee
Lee
10 years ago

Some good suggestions, I think you need to add a bit more to the Buffalo trade, but you are probably where the GM is as far as what he is looking for.

jake
jake
10 years ago

To Detroit: Hall, Petry

To EDM: Larkin, Jurco, Ericsson, Marchenko, 2015 1st round, and 2016 2nd round.

vm113
10 years ago
Reply to  Larry Fisher

Larry Fischer-You fail to include the goaltender who would definitely be a part of any package Emd would accept from Det. First off, Mantha is untouchable. If Edm would consider these players-Marzek, Tatar, Jarco, Larkin, Pulkkinen, Sproul, Quellet, Marchenko, 1st rounder, then there might be a deal to be made here. Take Mrazek, and your choice of 3 listed, more likely 4, and that might be enough for Detroit to land Hall, and possibly Petry. Now 4 of those choices might get the deal done..5 would be a HUGE price to pay but one I believe Holland would make considering how sick he must be of striking out lately.

vm113
10 years ago
Reply to  Larry Fisher

With, where did my comment go? Ughh!

jake
jake
10 years ago

To detroit: Hall and Petry

To EDM: Larkin, Ericsson, Jurco, Alexi Marchenko. And 2015 1st round pick contingent on wings making conference final

Jason
Jason
10 years ago

You’re a moron, Larry. All these deals except the Bruins one are horribly lopsided for Edmonton.