The New Jersey Devils‘ start to the new season has not gone to plan.
They have yet to record a victory through five games following their latest defeat to the Boston Bruins on Saturday. While it is still early, the Devils’ slow start is slightly magnified considering Taylor Hall has yet to sign a contract extension.
“I think a lot of people are starting to wonder how patient are the Devils going to be with Taylor Hall who is, of course, the big fish in the free agent pond at the end of the year,” said Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman during the Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada. “I think the answer is this is way too soon to start asking.
“I do think teams might start calling saying ‘what are your plans? What are you thinking out here if you can’t get him signed?’ … I just don’t think we’re at a point yet where New Jersey is really looking to say, even though [Devils GM] Ray Shero is a pretty unafraid guy, that we’re putting him out there.”
Hall, 27, has one year remaining on his current deal with New Jersey, but both sides agreeing to an extension is still a possibility.
“Privately, not much talk between the agent Darren Ferris for Taylor Hall or the Devils and that suggests to me that there is an ongoing process here,” Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston added. “I do think we can’t rule out the possibility of an extension depending on how things turn out.”
The former Hart Trophy winner has recorded three assists in New Jersey’s opening five games so far this season.
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