Taylor Hall

Taylor Hall
Remy Connors · CC BY 2.0 · source
Name	Taylor Hall
Caption	Hall with the New Jersey Devils in 2018
Birth date	14 November 1991
Birth place	Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Weight lb	205
Position	Left wing
Shoots	Left
Draft	1st overall
Draft year	2010
Draft team	Edmonton Oilers
Career start	2010

Taylor Hall. He is a Canadian professional ice hockey left wing currently playing for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Selected first overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Hall won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player in 2018 while a member of the New Jersey Devils. Known for his explosive speed and offensive creativity, he has also played for the Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, and Boston Bruins over his career.

Early life and junior career

Born in Calgary, Alberta, Hall began his major junior career with the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He quickly established himself as a dominant force, helping the Spitfires win back-to-back Memorial Cup championships in 2009 and 2010. Hall was named the Memorial Cup MVP in 2010 and was also awarded the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as OHL playoff MVP that same year. His exceptional play made him a top prospect for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Professional career

Hall made his NHL debut with the Edmonton Oilers in the 2010–11 season, immediately contributing offensively. After six seasons in Edmonton, he was traded to the New Jersey Devils in June 2016. His tenure with the Devils culminated in the 2017–18 season when he recorded 93 points, carried the team to the Stanley Cup playoffs, and won the Hart Memorial Trophy. Subsequent trades sent him to the Arizona Coyotes and then the Buffalo Sabres, where he played for one season. Hall was traded to the Boston Bruins during the 2020–21 season and later signed a long-term contract with the team, contributing to their record-setting 2022–23 regular season. In July 2024, he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks.

International play

Hall has represented Canada on multiple occasions, winning gold medals at the 2010 World Junior Championships and the 2015 IIHF World Championship. At the 2010 tournament in Saskatoon, he was a key contributor for the Canadian team coached by Willie Desjardins. He also participated in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey as a member of Team North America, a squad of young stars from Canada and the United States.

Playing style

Hall is renowned for his elite-level skating, characterized by powerful strides and exceptional acceleration that make him a constant threat off the rush. His ability to drive play and enter the offensive zone with control is a hallmark of his game. While primarily a playmaker, he possesses a strong and accurate shot, making him a dual threat on the wing. Coaches such as John Tortorella and Bruce Cassidy have utilized him in all situations, including on the power play.

Personal life

Hall maintains a relatively private life off the ice. He has been involved in various charitable endeavors, including community work with organizations like the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation during his tenure there. His father, Steve Hall, was a former Canadian Football League player for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Career statistics

Hall's regular season NHL statistics, as of the end of the 2023–24 season, include over 900 games played, more than 700 points, and nearly 250 goals. His playoff statistics include appearances with the New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins, and Edmonton Oilers, with his most significant postseason run coming with the Bruins during the 2023 playoffs. His career point-per-game average remains among the highest for players from his draft class.

Category:Canadian ice hockey players Category:Hart Memorial Trophy winners Category:Edmonton Oilers draft picks Category:Chicago Blackhawks players