Once I brush away the nostalgia around Halls (potential) return this is where I am left as well.
I wouldnt pay him more than $8M and he is going to get much more than that as a UFA.
So Hall is an absolute no go for this team.
He simply doesnt bring enough value for the contract he will get.
Any team stupid enough to pay Hall the Panarin beating contract he will want will come to regret it.
I was at an Oiler event yesterday morning and listening to Kieth Gretzky speak on that topic - and he said up front he cant discuss Hall or that is tampering - it sure did not sound like there was a sliver of interest in acquiring Hall, salary structure being key among them. As well it was mentioned the Devils will be one of the few teams with the cap space to sign him to the $11-$12M contract he will be wanting and they need to cater to their fan base big time.
This Hall talk is all Friedman doing what he does best, speculate about shit to drum up interest. Case in point, McDavid will be leaving the Oilers in 2 years if they dont show progress. When asked about this he is up front and says it is mere speculation, no different than his Hall hawt taek.
Let the Hall fantasy go. He isn't coming to Edmonton.