According to a report from NHL reporter Alex Moretto, the Colorado Avalanche have a deal in place for pending unrestricted free agent Taylor Hall. It's expected that Hall will sign a short-term contract with the Avs once the free agent period officially opens tomorrow afternoon.
Check it out:
Now... I'm no expert, but doesn't this constitute tampering under the NHL's free agent rules? Technically, Hall is not eligible to discuss contractual terms with any team other than the Arizona Coyotes until tomorrow. So... what gives?
Of course, there have also been rumblings that the Washington Capitals will sign former New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist tomorrow, as well. That's one of the worst kept secrets in hockey. So again... what gives?
Clearly, there's some behind the scenes negotiating going on in both of these cases and who knows in how many other cases.
In any case, if the Avs do indeed add Hall to their lineup... look out. The Avs obviously already have star players like Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog in their lineup. Adding Hall to the mix would simply make them the most offensively dynamic team in the entire NHL.
