The Edmonton Oilers and New Jersey Devils have made a trade ahead of the NHL’s free agent frenzy. Headed to New Jersey is former first overall pick, and former NHL All-Star Taylor Hall. Headed back to Edmonton is former fourth overall pick Adam Larsson.
Trade is one for one: Adam Larsson for Taylor Hall.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 29, 2016
Edmonton Oilers Trade Taylor Hall to New Jersey Devils for Adam Larsson
Hall, 24, was the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL draft out of the Windsor Spitfires. The speedy winger made the Oilers immediately and was thought to be part of an up and coming young team. Things have not quite worked out as hoped, and the Oilers have been unable to drag themselves out of the league’s lower tier, not making the playoffs since 2006. These failures shouldn’t be blamed on Hall though. He has scored 132 goals and 328 points in 381 career NHL games. This includes a 26 goal, 65 point campaign this year. Hall has had some issues staying healthy, but played all 82 games this past season. Hall has four years, and $24 million remaining on a contract he signed prior to the 2013-14 season. It carries an annual cap hit of $6 million.
23-year-old Adam Larsson fills a real hole on the Oilers blue line. While the Oilers have Oscar Klefbom and Darnell Nurse on left defence, Larsson can come in and play on the right side. After being the fourth overall pick in the 2011 NHL draft, Larsson’s career started solely. However, he has had a breakout over the last two years; playing bigger minutes and putting up better possession stats. Larsson is a solid two-way defender, who provides some offence, but not at an elite level. He had three goals and 18 points this past season. His best year came in 2014-15 when he put up 24 points.
Main Photo: EDMONTON, AB – OCTOBER 27: Taylor Hall #4 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates with the bench after scoring his team’s third goal against the Montreal Canadiens during an NHL game at Rexall Place on October 27, 2014 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The Oilers defeated the Canadiens 3-0. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
