You're on to it. I've watched him enough in Edmonton and those of us who are more in the hockey circles know Hall is not a guy you build your team around. You'll get a bunch of guys on hf boards who aren't really hockey people tell you he's amazing. He can get his points here and there, usually in Edm when the going is easy. When the games get tough and the intensity ramps up he usually disappears. Klefbom has even mentioned this.
All this is based on what i saw in Edm and a few games vs Edm while he's been in NJ. He's not terrible skilled with the puck. Not a skilled and strong possessor of the puck and a bad giveaway machine. True stars will dominate the puck in every zone. Not saying they have to rag the puck through 3 guys but they will protect it well and make good plays very often with it. Hall... not so much. He's more of a great secondary scorer with the ability at times to dominate offensive play because of his speed. If you're relying on him to consistently be the man, a leader and primary offensive player... you might have troubles. If he stays with NJ he'll have to be a secondary guy to Hughes, Hischier etc.... if you want a truly good team.
Although, myself i'm not convinced he's such a great teammate to have around. In Edm he pouted and sagged too much. He helped bring the team down as far as confidence , buy in and unity because he was one of our best players and he didn't have a good attitude. Not sure what he's like in NJ but a zebra never completely changes his stripes imo. When things go well i'm sure he's fine to be around. When things don't... especially with regard to his own stats.... well.....
I know myself, and a bunch of people I know would NOT want to have Hall back here even at 6 mil. Mainly because of potential attitude issues and remembering his lack of want to play responsible all over the ice and not make stupid plays and giveaways at terrible times.
and if you don't believe me... maybe you'll believe Ference.... even though he didn't really name names, it's pretty clear who he refers to in this article...
Andrew Ference goes nuclear, rips terrible practice habits, party atmosphere of 2013-15 Edmonton Oilers