Very solid post!
The majority of this board will have the reaction that some already had in response to your post but that’s normal I guess. According to the majority of this fan base, Hall can do no wrong and the coach is the reason for all our downfalls. The same coach that was here when he won the MVP of the league is coaching him differently 2 years later. I’m sure Hynes told Hall that he needed to change his MVP performance and play a more passive game. It’s always in the coaches best interest to have his best player underperform while losing multiple games in a row
Again, I’m on board with your POV and I’m sure there’s a lot of truth to what you’re saying but I also think (or hope) he matured a little and is sick and tired of getting his teeth caved in every single year. If he has any pride, any ambition, any respect for the game... one has to think that winning is the main reason you play the game. If he continues on the same path, he’ll be known as the guy with the most talent, who went #1 overall and managed to be on bottom feeding teams his entire career.
I hope we don’t give him the 8 year, 88M$ deal he’s probably looking for because I see it more as an anchor then anything else. For everyone who’s wondering why Shero hasn’t resigned Hall, I’m certain he’s being tentative for those exact reasons. He’s a very good player, but I doubt he’s captain/leader material and that’s a lot of coin to give to a player who won’t be your go-to-guy.
Thanks, maybe my interjection is unwanted by some but I actually find the NJ board reaction to be a bit more classy the the Oil board. Those who aren't agreeing with me here aren't doing so in a completely classless way like a few would on hf oil.
It makes me a bit ill to see what's happening in NJ. It has the similar bad vibes as what's been happening in Edm. And i for one believe it has a lot to do with buy in, culture and attitude. We've also blamed coach after coach after coach. It boils down to the players and the GM having a certain standard in how his players perform and carry themselves. For too long here we let our young 1st OVA picks (except Connor) have free reign to play irresponsible hockey. I did sincerely believe Hall was a negative influence in Edm and I just hope he isn't in NJ. I saw one game where Hischier and Hall were on a two on one and Hischier tried to get the pass through to Hall and failed. Hall immediately circled to the bench and angrily slammed his stick. You just can't do s*** like that. It would destroy a young player's pysche. I think it was Hischiers rookie year too. This is why i don't want Hall anywhere near our team.
The culture here was rotten... Ference summed it up well in the quote from the article... "
They’d come and practice hard and there was a group of guys there that had like, it was too cool to try hard. Derogatory terms for trying too hard in practice. That’s the culture, right. ...... So your voice only goes so far with people that only respect how good your toe drag is and whether or not you’re out partying."
And Klefbom's specific quote... "
Taylor has been our best player in recent years, but it’s also hard to tell what he has contributed. He never played his best games against the tougher teams, which we really needed it. However, he was fantastic when we met the little inferior teams". ... spoke volumes. It's something i had seen year in year out here and Klef basically confirmed it.
One way or another i'd like to see Hughes and Hischier etc do well. I hope for you guys Hall does turn it around or that Shero has the smarts to move him far away if you still have some version of the Oilers Hall. Just don't move him to Edm! I recall Shero had to have a serious sit down with Hall after the first season to straighten him out too eh. Is it worth it to have such a high maintenance player? Not at 10 mil i don't think.
As for the toe drag comment by Ference... he was clearly talking about Hall who would try like 3 toeys a game and i literally NEVER ONCE saw him successfully pull it off here. It was like give it up dude, you just do not have those kind of mitts. Even though a toey is basically a standard handle now in today's hockey.
