Oilers Ink Deal with Taylor Hall
Taylor Hall’s National Hockey League aspirations advanced yet another step on Monday as the soon-to-be rookie and the Edmonton Oilers agreed on an entry-level contract.
Hall was the overall No. 1 choice in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, a decision he wholeheartedly supported. When asked why he should be picked first, Hall told NHL.com reporters: "I have the tenacity, I have the speed, I have the skill to do it. If Edmonton feels I'm their guy, I'm going to try make that organization as best I can, try to help them from the shape they're in. If I'm not, I'm not going to be too depressed. It would be a great accomplishment to go No. 1. I think I've worked pretty hard for it.”
Hall also praised the minor league hockey teams for his development and discussed how NHL-ready he was.
"I think just having these young guys step in right from junior, I think it just shows the development in major junior hockey is pretty good,” said Hall. “So hopefully I can step right in there and make an impact."
The Oilers certainly hope he can make an impact, as Hall is set to be one of the cornerstones in the rebuilding process Edmonton is currently undergoing. The former dynasty has sat at the bottom of the Northwest Division throughout recent years and has not made the play-offs in four seasons.
Going into the Entry Draft, Hall was not actually the top-ranked prospect. According to NHL Central Scouting, Hall was second behind Tyler Seguin. However, experts noted that Oilers General Manager Steve Tambellini would be more interested in Hall and his self-described ‘Zach Parise’ style of play.
According to Tambellini: "We felt like with Taylor, if you look at his resume of playing with the best team and being the best player, back-to-back Memorial Cup MVP's, prominent in the World Junior tournament, prominent on his own team for his entire junior career. I haven't met a more competitive player than this young man."
Hall’s resume thus far through his career is truly impressive. Hall had 12 points, six of which were goals, while helping Canada win a silver medal at the World Junior Championship. He also had a whopping 106 points and a share of the OHL scoring title for Windsor Spitfires last season, and became the first-ever two-time Memorial Cup MVP.
His playing style is also praised by many. His former coach at Windsor Bob Boughner said: “He is very difficult to knock off the puck once he gets it and his hunger for the puck is special. He reminds me of Pavel Bure. Taylor’s desire to be the best is also very unique and has also contributed to his success, and made him the great player that he is."
Last year’s top selection in the Entry Draft, John Tavares, also lauded Hall. The two played against one another in the OHL. Tavares said: "He has that ability to raise his game when it matters most. He loves to score goals, he creates offense and he's a great skater. At this level, I think if you can really skate well and play the way he does with that great knack for the net, he's going to have a great career. He's a great player and deserves to be number one."
Tavares has experienced the pressure of playing in the NHL immediately after being drafted but doesn’t seem to worry for Hall. He said: “There's obviously a lot of expectations and a lot that comes with it, but guys like him have been trained for it.”
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