The New Jersey Devils on Friday scratched Taylor Hall from their matchup with the Vegas Golden Knights, one day after Hall left practice in discomfort. The team reported Hall had a lower-body injury.
Taylor Hall is NOT taking warmups.
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) December 14, 2018
He'll be out tonight for #NJDevils.
Taylor Hall is a game time decision tonight for #NJDevils versus Vegas. Lower body issue for Hall.
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) December 14, 2018
Hall, 27, hit the ice for practice on Thursday, at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., but skated over to the bench halfway through to speak with a trainer, per Chris Ryan of NJ.com. The Devils' alternate captain briefly attempted to resume practice but left the ice for good shortly thereafter.
The 2010 first overall pick was removed for "precautionary reasons," head coach John Hynes told reporters after practice.
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Losing the reigning NHL Most Valuable Player would be a crushing blow for the Devils. Prior to Friday, Hall played in all 29 of New Jersey's games, posting eight goals and 23 assists.
In 76 games last season, Hall notched 93 points (39 goals, 54 assists) en route to the Hart Memorial Trophy.
The Devils recalled John Quenneville from their AHL affiliate in Binghamton on Friday. Quenneville, the organization's first-round pick (30th overall) from 2014, started in Hall's place Friday night.
NOW: The #NJDevils have recalled forward John Quenneville from Binghamton (AHL), the team announced.
— Sporting News Canada (@sportingnewsca) December 14, 2018
Quenneville was New Jersey's first-round pick (30th overall) in 2014.
In a corresponding move, Stefan Noesen was placed on injured reserve, retroactive to Dec. 10. pic.twitter.com/pxfj4o5rdt
It's unclear if Hall will be ready to play Saturday in the second game of a back-to-back when the Devils face the Nashville Predators in Tennessee.