Bruins agree to extension with Hall

*Photo from Last Word on Sports*

   The winger who was responsible for David Krejci's point surge is back in Boston. The Boston Bruins have signed LW Taylor Hall to a 4 year, $24 million extension, with a $6 million AAV, according to Darren Dreger of TSN. There is also a no trade clause. The Bruins have confirmed the deal.

   Hall said "It's a great city, obviously a great group of guys. Tremendous organization that I really enjoyed playing for. It was really enjoyable for me this year and really happy that I get to play another four years with the Bruins. Obviously, the teammates that I got to know in my short time in Boston were a huge reason why I wanted to direct my focus to playing for Boston as long as I can, and really happy that we're here talking about it today."

   After being traded to the Bruins at the trade deadline, Hall meshed right away with his new team, scoring 8 goals and dishing out 6 assists, with a +15 plus/minus in an ATOI of 15:58 in 16 games in a Bruins uniform. In his 11 seasons, Hall has 228 goals and 368 assists, with a -48 plus/minus in 680 games.

   Hall comes with some accomplishments too. He was the first overall pick by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2010 draft. In 2017-2018 with the New Jersey Devils, he won the Hart trophy as league MVP, when he put up 39 goals and 54 assists in 73 games that season. He also was a big part of David Krejci increasing his offensive production, as both players took off while playing with each other.

   Bruins GM Don Sweeney said he is "Very excited, as I referenced Taylor wanting to be a Bruin, then working with agent Darren Ferris to find a common ground was really important for us. And I think you can see from Taylor's comments he's excited to be part of our group. I think he felt maybe the most comfortable he's felt in a locker room in some time, and I think it showed up in his game."

   With his new contract, Hall is the 4th highest paid forward in Boston, behind the big guys Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak, and Brad Marchand. Hall figures to slot in on Boston's second line, with Craig Smith as right wing, and currently an unknown center, as David Krejci is a pending UFA.