Boston Bruins: Extending Taylor Hall Should Be Done Now

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Ever since the NHL Trade Deadline, the Boston Bruins have been playing some of their best hockey. To the joy of the Bruins faithful, Don Sweeney finally took a big swing and brought in some quality talent at the deadline. Needless to say, it has paid off early with Boston winning 6 of their last 8 games.

The big fish snagged at the deadline in Taylor Hall has made an immediate impact with the Boston Bruins. Any nagging fear that Hall just wasn’t a quality player anymore is now completely out the window and can now be completely attributed to him playing for (as Jack Edwards would say) the NHL’s version of a dumpster fire in the Buffalo Sabres.

Taylor Hall has 6 points in 8 games with the Boston Bruins and has shown work ethic on the defensive side as well that has really endeared himself to his coaches, teammates, and fans alike. Hall has truly revamped the Bruins’ second line – giving Boston two offensively lethal units with the Perfection Line.

Taylor Hall has brought nothing but positive results for the Boston Bruins so far. His rejuvenated play though has created a buzz around the league and has certainly lifted his stock only 8 games in with the Bruins. An impending UFA, Hall would’ve already had several suitors on the free agency market – if he continues to play this way there could be several more interested teams. More interest means more money.

If the Boston Bruins see a future with Taylor Hall they should be working on a contract extension as soon as possible. Hall has already stated that he hopes to be a Bruin past this season. If Hall continues this trajectory of play, the price will only go up. So if Boston wants to get a bargain on the past Hart Trophy winner – the time is now.

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 13: Taylor Hall #71 of the Boston Bruins skates during the first period of a game against the Buffalo Sabres at TD Garden on April 13, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

What could a Boston Bruins Taylor Hall contract look like?

Taylor Hall has had an interesting last few seasons with plenty of ups and downs. To that end, it will be interesting to see the value that the Boston Bruins and Hall’s camp have on the player. It will also be interesting to see if either camp has more of a priority on term or dollar amount. Let’s look at two contract options that could make both sides content.

Contract #1 – Big money, low term

2 year, $14 million – AAV $7 million

The Boston Bruins core could be headed towards a major shakeup over the next few seasons with key veterans and young studs heading towards contract years. If the Bruins want to remain competitive but don’t want a long-term commitment, a short-term higher dollar contract might be the best move. Taylor Hall may be more inclined to take a shorter-term contract with the hopes that the financials of the league rebound in the next couple of seasons and a salary cap jump could equal more money long-term down the road.

Contract #2 – Lower money, more security

5 year, $25 million – AAV $5 million

The Boston Bruins are an organization that prioritizes consistent competitiveness. If the Bruins see a longer window than currently thought and/or that their prospects or cap space can fill the potential voids of impending free agents – they could be more willing to lock in the player for the rest of his prime. Taylor Hall has been through the ringer these past few seasons and looks like he may be at a point where he could prioritize consistency and term over big-money deals.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 15: Taylor Hall #71 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with Jeremy Lauzon #55 and Patrice Bergeron #37 after scoring a goal against the New York Islanders during the third period at TD Garden on April 15, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins defeat the Islanders 4-1. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

What direction should the Boston Bruins go in a Taylor Hall extension?

The Boston Bruins currently have just over $31 million in current cap space on deck for this offseason. They’ll certainly have some holes to fill, but locking up Taylor Hall should be a priority for this organization. At 29 years old, the past MVP has been an immediate fit with the Bruins and the club should try and get as much value as possible for a player whose stock is rising quick.

Taylor Hall wants to remain a part of this organization for years to come and is certainly looking for some consistency along with a decent dollar amount. Hall has already garnered the respect of his coaches and teammates and he seems to share that respect.

If the Boston Bruins don’t see any sort of rebuild in the near future – a longer-term, lower money contract could be the best path for both sides. The Bruins are masterful at getting their players to buy in and Taylor Hall may be willing to take a lower dollar amount to be part of a winning organization.

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Don Sweeney did his job bringing an impact secondary scoring winger into the fold and now he has an opportunity to enjoy the player for years to come. Time to get the conversation rolling before Taylor Hall prices himself out of Boston.

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