Speculation about an imminent trade involving New Jersey Devils forward Taylor Hall flared up Friday when the Devils announced that Hall would sit out the team's game in Denver against the Colorado Avalanche, but a deal has not happened — yet.
The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported Friday night that Hall had not been traded but talks have gained "traction," prompting the Devils to scratch him and avoid the risk of injury.
I’m told Taylor Hall has not been dealt at this point, however, there is some traction in trade talks the Devils are having with teams and so the risk is not worth playing him play at the moment. Stay tuned. https://t.co/i3273tPiDX
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 14, 2019
MORE: Devils' Subban, Simmonds could join Hall on trade block
The Devils announced before Friday's game that Hall's healthy scratch was for "precautionary reasons," after he participated in on-ice warmups.
The Avalanche reportedly are one of the favorites to land Hall in a potential trade, but The Athletic's Adrian Dater observed that Colorado employees' actions during the game did not suggest a transaction was in the works. Avalanche broadcaster Peter McNab, however, said later Friday (per ESPN's Greg Wyshynski) that Hall's equipment bag was spotted in a Pepsi Center corridor during the game.
The Arizona Coyotes, Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins and Calgary Flames have also been mentioned as potential partners with the Devils in a trade involving Hall, whose contract expires after this season.
On Saturday, LeBrun reported that the Florida Panthers have also entered the Hall sweepstakes.
Hearing that the Florida Panthers have inquired on Taylor Hall. About 5-6 teams in the mix including Arizona and Colorado among others...
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 14, 2019
The 28-year-old forward has six goals and 19 assists through the first 30 games of New Jersey's season.