Boston Bruins Re-sign a key piece in Taylor Hall

The Boston Bruins have been a busy team over the last few weeks. After agreeing to a new deal with Brandon Carlo, the Bruins brought back another key piece on Friday. The Bruins signed Taylor Hall to a four-year deal that has an annual cap hit of $6 million.

Boston acquired Hall from the Buffalo Sabres at the 2021 trade deadline. The deal also brought Curtis Lazar to Boston and gave Hall a much-needed change of scenery. Prior to the trade, the Calgary native had only scored 12 goals in his previous 72 games. In Boston, Hall was a perfect fit as in 16 regular-season games; he had eight goals and 14 points. Down the stretch, he was the Bruins’ best player.

Additionally, the veteran forward made a significant difference on the second line. The trio of David Krejci, Craig Smith, and Hall was a scoring machine. When the Bruins’ secondary scoring needed a boost,  they provided one. In the playoffs, Hall added five points in 11 games. While the Bruins playoff run was short-lived,  the former first overall pick was one of the main reasons they got there.

What to expect from Taylor Hall

Before the trade deadline last year, Hall had two goals in 37 games for Buffalo. He was a completely different player with the Bruins and was able to flash some of his MVP form. In his first full season in Boston, he will be looking to build on that success. The 29-year-old was also productive on the power play and came through in the clutch.

With the Hall deal complete, Boston can now focus on their other free agents. That includes David Krejci, whose chances of returning increase with Hall back in the mix. The two showed unique chemistry last year, which should continue to improve. As the B’s look to avenge last year’s playoff exit, their production will be critical.

With the offseason now in full swing, the Bruins still have holes to fill. They need more scoring and at least another defenseman. They can, however, count on Hall being back and making an impact at both ends of the ice.