Instant Reaction: Arizona Coyotes trade for Taylor Hall in blockbuster trade
I thought the Arizona Coyotes already had their blockbuster trade when they added Phil Kessel this offseason. I was totally wrong. Today the Coyotes changed their team dramatically.
John Chayka showed that he is all in on making the postseason this year by bringing in Taylor Hall. The Coyotes needed to add one more asset, in my opinion, to make this team as competitive as possible.
Taylor Hall brings a star power talent that the Coyotes have been missing. Players like Nick Schmaltz and Conor Garland have played great this season, but adding someone like Hall brings a former Hart Trophy winner to the mix.
Adding Taylor Hall also impacts the environment of other players. Maybe the play of Phil Kessel will be sparked with Hall in the lineup. Imagine a line of Hall Dvorak and Kessel creating opportunities in the offensive zone. That still leaves Schmaltz, Garland, and Keller in the top 6 to create a more balanced lineup
There is a risk with bringing Hall to Arizona. He could end up not re-signing with the team. The Devils had to retain half of his salary in order to complete the trade, and he might ask for too much going into the offseason. However, that is what “buying” your way into the playoffs is all about.
John Chayka is taking a risk by adding Taylor Hall, and I hope it pays off for the team. Taylor Hall will wear number 91 with the Coyotes, and if I were you buy those jerseys now. Hall has 25 points this season, and that total should continue to rise with his new team.
The entire atmosphere with the Coyotes changes after today’s trade. They are no longer a team that can be brushed aside. Many believed the Coyotes would end up getting brushed aside within the Pacific Division by teams like Edmonton and Vegas, and now we are showing we are up to the challenge. Just read what Chayka had to say following the trade via Alexander Kinkopf of NHL.com
Chayka:
— Alex Kinkopf (@AEKinkopf) December 16, 2019
"Taylor Hall is one of the elite talents in the game today; a Hart Trophy winner, a high-end playmaker and one of the NHL's most talented forwards. We are beyond thrilled to add Taylor to our team as we continue in our mission of bringing a Stanley Cup home to Arizona."
Arizona did have to give up some talented prospects and picks in order to bring in Taylor Hall. We lost players like Kevin Bahl, Nick Merkley, and Nate Schnarr as well as a first-round pick in 2020. Arizona also included a conditional 3rd round pick if they win a playoff series this season. I hope we end up giving the Devils a 3rd round pick.
There is a lot to talk about with the Coyotes right now following the trade. Share your thoughts in the comments! Go Coyotes!