When the Boston Bruins acquired Taylor Hall from the Buffalo Sabres, they were hoping a change of scenery would do the left win some good.
After signing a one-year, $8 million deal with the Sabres in the offseason, Hall struggled in Western New York. In 37 games before being shut down before the trade deadline, he had two goals and 17 assists, with a plus/minus of minus-21. That’s not a misprint. A minus-21.
Just as Boston general manager Don Sweeney hoped, Hall has benefitted from a change of scenery and the Black and Gold are playing some of their best hockey since 29-year-old Calgary native put on the Spoked-B.
Hall thriving on the Bruins’ second line.
It’s safe to say that Hall is enjoying his time with the Bruins. In 15 games in Boston, Hall has six goals and six assists with a plus-14. All six of his goals have been scored even strength.
More importantly, David Krejci‘s game has also taken off since Hall’s arrival. Sweeney and the front office have tried for a couple of years to get Krejci some consistency on his wings and this year, they have. Craig Smith is having a good first season in Boston after signing as a free agent from the Nashville Predators on the right side.
Since Hall arrived in the B’s locker room, Krejci has six goals and 12 assists, while Smith has five goals and five assists, giving the Bruins two lines producing with the top-line doing their things also.
Of course, Hall’s play so far as a member of the Bruins is encouraging, but his true test will come when the postseason begins in another week. If Hall’s play continues in the playoffs as it has in the regular season, Boston will be a tough out whoever they play.
Following the season, both Krejci and Hall will be unrestricted free agents. If Sweeney was able to sign both players, it would be a fun 82-game season next year watching the top two lines the way the first 15 games have gone since the April 11 trade.