Oilers deal Taylor Hall to Devils for Adam Larsson
The Edmonton Oilers have pulled off a big trade, as they have sent former number one overall pick Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils. The Devils will send defenceman Adam Larsson back the other way.
Hall, 24, was the #1 overall pick in 2010. Hyped as a player who could turn a struggling franchise around, he has yet to do so. Hall hasn’t performed up to expectations, although he did record an 80 point season in 2013-14. Hall has had a few injury problems, but did play a full 82 games this past season, the first time he’s done so. He recorded a near career high 26 goals this past season, adding 39 assists.
Larsson, 23, was the #4 overall pick in 2011. He won the 2012 Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie. Larsson isn’t an offensive defenseman, and has his fair share of injury problems as well. He, like Hall, did play a full 82 games for the first time in his career. Larsson recorded 18 points this past season, tying a career high in goals with 3.
This trade is what I like to call a “hockey trade”. The Devils were looking for a young forward. They’ve been linked to other Edmonton forwards Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jordan Eberle. The Oilers were looking for a young defenceman, being linked to Minnesota Wild defenceman Matt Dumba, among others. This fills both needs.
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I think this trade was for the best. I am an avid hockey fan but also a fan of business entrepreneurs like Daryl Katz. His family pharmacy empire grew tenfold under his direction and management. He paid $200 million for the Edmonton Oilers . in 2008 and he is currently working to refocus his efforts to build Canada’s largest mixed use-sports and entertainment district. He is by far one of the most successful businessmen in North America. I am looking forward to seeing how he helps to take this team to the next level and what is next venture will be. He is really focusing on helping Edmonton become a fantastic tourist destination.