The often overlooked part of the Carolina Hurricanes' blockbuster trade this past January that saw them acquire Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche for Martin Necas and Jack Drury was that the Canes also acquired forward Taylor Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks.
Hall, 33, is a former MVP and first-round pick that, while his game has slowed, still provides value.
And according to St. Louis Blues rinkside reporter Andy Strickland, who has proven to be well connected around the league with other breaking news and sources, it seems like the Hurricanes could soon be extending the winger.
He's had some flashes so far with the Canes, but has just one assist to show for it from his second game with the team.
However, Hall has still been a strong play driver for Carolina so far even if the results aren't always showing up.
Across his eight games, he's third among Hurricanes skaters in shot generation (60.85 CF%) and fifth in expected goals (60.35 xGF%).
The team overall has been struggling recently, with a 3-5-1 record since the trade, but I feel that Hall has been a good piece for the team.
He can slot around in the middle-six, skates hard, has offensive upside, size and can be a real boost to the struggling second power play unit (although the entire power play is weak as of late).
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