Bob McKenzie provides update on late night Taylor Hall trade talks

The New Jersey Devils caught our attention earlier tonight when they pulled star forward Taylor Hall from the lineup minutes prior to the puck drop against the Colorado Avalanche. 

Hall, who had taken part in the warmups, was removed from the Devils’ lineup for precautionary reasons as a trade appears to be coming soon. It is believed that the Devils are hoping to get a deal done before the Holiday Trade Freeze, which kicks off on Dec. 19.

Late on Friday, after the Devils fell 3-1 to the Avalanche, NHL insider Bob McKenzie provided an update on the trade talks. 

“My sense is there are at least a half dozen teams who have shown considerable interest in Hall and NJ is obviously getting traction with one or more — hence Hall being pulled from tonight’s game for precautionary reasons — but that doesn’t mean a deal is minutes or hours away.”

Last week, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported that the Avalanche have already reached out to the Devils to discuss the possibility of acquiring Hall and that they now know the asking price. However, it sure sounds like other teams are interested and willing to make a play. 

The question is now: when will the trade take place? 

Interim head coach Adam Nasreddine explained that he doesn’t know if Taylor Hall will play tomorrow night, but that he is expected to travel to Arizona with the Devils.

McKenzie added that the Coyotes are in the mix, but so are other teams with interest for Hall. John Shannon reports that the St. Louis Blues are also a top contender for Hall. 

I guess if McKenzie is going to bed, I can too, right?