Coyotes GM John Chayka excluded from Taylor Hall contract negotiations

When it comes to negotiating high-profile contracts in the NHL - or any organization, really - the general manager tends to lead the charge. At least that's what would be expected when attempting to strike a deal with a player of Taylor Hall's ilk. However, according to reports out of Arizona, GM John Chayka has been left in the dark when it comes to Hall negotiations.

Arizona Republic reporter Kent Somers has it on good information that Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo, his son Alex Jr., and team president and CEO Xavier Gutierrez have taken over contract talks with Hall in their bid to bring the stud winger back to Arizona next season.

Somers has shared news from a source close to the team that Hall took a dinner meeting with Meruelo, his son and Gutierrez, but could not confirm whether Hall's agent Darren Ferris was present, nor would he comment on the matter.

The offer extended to Hall is believed to be of the "low-ball" variety, which doesn't exactly exude confidence in a deal being anywhere close to done at this point.

It's not unheard of for ownership to get involved in negotiations with marquee players, however, it tends to be in more of a complimentary capacity when it does happen, and the pitch is typically always led by the GM. In this scenario, it does not appear that Chayka was invited to the dinner, nor was he even aware that it took place until at least a day later.

“John wasn't at the meeting, he wasn't the one who set it up and he wasn't the one making the offer,” commented the source.

Gutierrez is reportedly now leading negotiations for the Coyotes because Meruelo views him as a “deal maker.”

Chayka did not do much to dismiss the rumour either.

“I'm not in a position to speak to rumors. I'm focused on Nashville and the playoffs. Thanks.”

https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nhl/coyotes/2020/07/22/nhl-source-coyotes-gm-john-chayka-not-invited-to-meeting-with-taylor-hall/5486088002/

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