Coyotes make bold statement on Hall’s future in Arizona

It finally took place on Monday. Taylor Hall was acquired by the Arizona Coyotes with forward Blake Speers for a 2020 top-three protected first-round pick, a 2020 conditional third-round pick, as well as prospects Kevin Bahl, Nick Merkley and Nate Schnarr.

While it seems like the Devils had no chance to keep Hall in New Jersey with a loaded new contract, many wonder if the Coyotes will have better luck signing the pending free agent to a hefty deal extension. 

On Tuesday, Coyotes GM John Chayka told TSN Radio 1050 Toronto on Tuesday that newly acquired winger will play out the remainder of the season before the two sides open contract talks. Chayka went on to explain he hopes to keep Hall’s focus on the ice for the remainder of the season before he tries to get him to sign long term. 

“We’re not going to discuss anything contractually until the end of the season. I want him focused on playing. He wants to win, I know that. That’s the main thing for him and that’s the only thing we want to be about here, is winning. We’re both going to be focused on winning and having the best possible season. Hopefully it’s an opportunity for us to showcase what we’re about and what we do. For us, we think it’s a great opportunity and certainly a bit of a gamble, but we’re betting on ourselves that he’ll understand what we’re about here and what we’re trying to do.

“At the end of the season, we’ll all sit down and hopefully it’s an easy conversation, but at that point, then everyone will have the facts in front of them and we’ll go from there. But for now, we plan on and intend to have no conversations about a contract.”

What a bold approach! 

It sounds like Chayka is hoping to prove to Hall that this team can make it to the postseason and become a serious contender. Therefore, Hall might be more open to sign with the Coyotes, who have the money to sign him. 

It still sounds risky no?