Coyotes in discussions with Taylor Hall's agent

The Arizona Coyotes have always seemed intent on signing Taylor Hall past the 2019-20 season when the team acquired him from the New Jersey Devils back in December. However, GM John Chayka made it clear he wanted to wait until this season was over before settling in to serious talks on a contract. But, with the season under hiatus and not coming back any time soon, possibly not until next season, it looks like talks have officially gotten underway.

"Obviously, our intent was always to get through the season and not having any conflict with Taylor's play. This leaves us in a bit of a limbo where it's obviously not technically the end of the season, but it also wouldn't conflict with his play to talk," Chayka told The Athletic's Craig Morgan.

"All I would say right now is that both sides are gathering information and having some discussions. Where that goes, I'm not entirely sure today. As we talk, we'll see where things go."

Hall is finishing up seven year contract paying him $6 million per season, originally signed when he was with Edmonton in 2012. Since then, he's gone on to win a Hart Trophy as league MVP with the Devils in 2018. This season has been a good one, although not his best as he managed 93 points in his Hart Trophy winning season. Still, he was at 16 goals and 52 points in 65 games when play was suspended.

Hall is currently 28 and is likely looking to lock in for as long as possible. He can do a maximum of eight years on a new contract with Arizona and seven years anywhere else. He is set to become a free agent on July 1st. That could change, as the NHL has not said what, if anything, will happen should games not return until the 2020-21 season. Arizona projects to have just over $4 million in cap space this summer, according to CapFriendly. Money would need to be moved in order to sign Hall long-term unless a cap increase is in the cards. Considering the revenue the league has lost so far, that's doubtful unless some sort of playoffs managed to recoup at least some of the losses.

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