NHL Insider Says Oilers Interested in Taylor Hall

“Trade him to Edmonton,” Tim Micallef of Tim & Sid joked as Elliotte Friedman described the ongoing issues between the New Jersey Devils and Taylor Hall.

What Tim didn’t realize, as he sarcastically uttered the words then followed them with a chuckle, was that the Edmonton Oilers and Taylor Hall reuniting might be an actual possibility, at least according to Friedman who was more than happy to clarify a report he first noted in his recent 31 Thoughts article.

Friedman surprised both hosts when he said, “It would not surprise me at all if Edmonton was a big suitor here.” He added, “I don’t know if they can make a trade, I don’t know if they have enough to make a deal, but it just wouldn’t surprise me…”

Where is Friedman’s Opinion Coming From?

As the hosts were eager to learn more, Friedman went into detail suggesting the Oilers have long-wanted to right a wrong and if there was a chance to bring him back, they would. That wrong was trading away Hall in a deal that most fans saw as a completely bone-headed move — despite the usefulness of Adam Larsson who has been unfairly saddled with the burden of being the player acquired for Hall in a one-for-one deal. It was a deal Larsson could likely never live up to.

Hall went on to become a bigger star than he already was, while Larsson has been useful, but not nearly the answer on the blue line the Oilers were looking for when they made the deal.

But, Friedman did admit, “but there’s a new GM there now, so we’ll see.” In other words, he had no concrete evidence that new Oilers GM Ken Holland was kicking tires and even considering making a move to get Hall back.

And, should he be, fans are likely never going to hear that information from Holland’s mouth.

Would Hall Want to Come Back?

One of the most shocking parts of the segment with Tim and Sid was the hosts reaction to the idea that Hall would even consider a return considering how bent out of shape he was when he was initially traded. All Friedman could offer was “time heals all wounds.”

And, if the old adage is true, Hall is reported to be uncertain about his future with New Jersey based on their ability to be competitive. A slow start is why people are already asking questions. If Edmonton continues to win, the Oilers have to look more and more attractive to a player, who while upset about being traded, was really only upset because he never actually wanted to leave.

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