A few days ago, Andy Strickland of FanDuel Sports Network reported the Carolina Hurricanes and newly acquired forward Taylor Hall are working toward a contract extension. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman confirmed the news in his written rendition of 32 Thoughts, although neither insider had specifics to share.
Because of the ongoing situation regarding Mikko Rantanen, Hall’s status as a pending unrestricted free agent in Carolina has been entirely overshadowed. The former first overall selection of the 2010 NHL Draft is on the final year of a four-year, $24MM contract signed with the Boston Bruins in 2021.
The news of a potential contract extension with the Hurricanes is somewhat peculiar, given Hall’s play with the team. The veteran winger has only tallied one goal and one assist in nine games with Carolina, averaging 14:47 of ice time per game. Furthermore, despite a strong win against the Buffalo Sabres yesterday evening, the Hurricanes are 3-5-1 since making the trade.
Much of it will depend on Hall’s price point. One can reasonably assume he’ll make far less than his current $6MM salary, and it likely won’t be a long-term deal since he’ll enter his age-34 season next year. The Calgary, Alberta native’s subpar production and injury history over the last few years may point him toward a bonus-laden contract should he remain with the Hurricanes.
Still, it’s important to note his subpar production is only relative to the previous standard Hall set earlier in his career. He’s scored 48 goals and 79 assists in 207 games over the life of his four-year contract, split between the Bruins, Hurricanes, and Chicago Blackhawks. Many teams would be content with that production from a middle-six winger, albeit at a lower price point.
The main cause for concern would be Hall’s recent injury history. Before the beginning of the 2024-25 season, Hall had only played in 152 games for the Bruins and Blackhawks- 61.7% of possible contests. Much of that was because of a torn ACL last season, limiting the former MVP to 10 games.
Fortunately, Hall has seemingly put the injury behind him this year. Despite one healthy scratch in Chicago and a few games missed due to illness, he’s projected to play in a full season for the first time since the 2021-22 campaign.