Taylor Hall to the… Sabres?
… What?!
The 28-year-old shocked the hockey world after he elected to sign with the Buffalo Sabres on a one-year deal. Hall has been to the playoffs just twice, so making the move to Buffalo left some fans scratching their heads considering the team hasn’t been to the postseason since 2011, however, he explained his reasoning in a personal written message on the NHL’s website.
The decision really seemed to star with head coach Ralph Kruger. Hall reflected on his time in Edmonton under Kruger and noted first and foremost, the type of person he is.
The following is an excerpt from NHL.com:
It was 2013, and we were on a flight back to Edmonton. Ralph was in his only year as head coach of the Oilers, a season that only lasted 48 games because of the lockout.
Ralph called me to the front of the plane. I automatically assumed we were going to go over the video or talk about the game. What he actually asked sticks with me to this day.
How are you doing?
That is who Ralph Krueger is: the kind of guy who wants to know how you are doing as a person during the grind of a shortened season. That was my third year in the league and it truly was a breakout season for me. I've often wondered how things might be different if Ralph had stayed head coach in Edmonton.
The decision, of course, went beyond just coaching. Hall credited general manger Kevyn Adams, along with owners Terry and Kim Pegula.
The following is an excerpt from NHL.com:
When I looked at Buffalo, I saw a coach whom I respect and who knows how to get the most out of his players. I saw young, elite talent that will only get better. I saw owners in Terry and Kim Pegula and a general manager in Kevyn Adams who are committed to success.
I told my agent that, should the opportunity arise, Buffalo would be a place I could see myself playing.
And of course, he couldn’t forget about that Jack Eichel guy!
The following is an excerpt from NHL.com:
I already heard from a bunch of the guys last night. I have been around Jack Eichel and know the type of person and player he is. Obviously, that was a big draw. I have a ton of respect for Eric Staal and feel he has a lot of game left. I work out during summers with Jeff Skinner and know the work he puts into his craft.
Serious props to Adams for signing Hall and giving Eichel the skilled winger he has for so long been searching for. The Sabres hype is real but for now, all attention should be on the Bills.
Right Hallsy?!
(H/T NHL.com)
