These quotes don't sound like that, at all.
“You’re starting to see players want to — I don’t know if it’s paid what they’re worth — but they want to see what’s out there and see what the other 30 teams have to offer,” said Hall, a winger with the New Jersey Devils. “That’s in the players’ rights. That’s what we fought for.
“If you have time, I think it’s wise to take it and make sure you make the right decisions.”
Hall, who’s entering the final year of his contract and could be in a similar boat at this time next year, said things have shifted. Some stars are more keen to keep their options open before hitting the market as UFAs.
“(Tavares) did something that really hasn’t been done before,” said Hall, who has yet to begin talks with New Jersey on a new deal. “He made a decision for himself and was definitely aware of the ramifications in Long Island and all that, and I think he’s pretty happy about it.”
“There’s definitely a changing landscape,” Hall said. “You’re starting to see players have a little bit more of a voice.”
https://thehockeywriters.com/hall-tavares-free-agency-changes/
So it certainly doesn't seem purely money-motivated. But you can be darn sure the money is a big part of it.
If he gets to July 1st, which it sure sounds like he is, he's going to get a Tavares or Panarin-like offer. 10-11 million a year. Would he take a little less to stay in Boston if they acquired him? Perhaps. But it's not like he's going to take 6-7 million per season to stay a Bruin. Your still in the 9 million + region minimum IMO, which is both a hometown discount and more than the Bruins can afford to pay for another top end winger, when they arguably have two of the top 5 wingers in the game now.