Hall vs Gaudreau debate is a good one:
Johnny:
5'9 - 165lbs @ 27 years of age
- Small, quick feet, elite edge work, average foot speed, elite playmaking
- 6 years in NHL
- Most goals: 36 (2018-19)
- Most assists: 63 (2018-19)
- Most points: 99 (2018-19)
4 Playoff appearances: 19 points in 30 games
2 more years @ $6.75M - Rumored low chance of re-sign with CGY
disappearing skill set in playoffs
easily knocked off puck/no dice going into corners to retrieve pucks
doesn't engage physically
defensive awareness/floating
part of the "core" that cant get it done
button hook zone entry has been countered frequently
Taylor:
6'1 - 205lbs at 28 years of age (29 in Nov)
- Average size, elite footspeed, elite finishing skills, great shot, average playmaking
- 10 years in NHL
- Most Goals: 39 (2017-18)
- Most Assists: 54 (2017-18)
- Most Points: 93 (2017-18)
2 playoff appearances: 12 points in 14 games
UFA rumored to be looking for anywhere from 7M to 9M over 6-8 years.
Limited playoff experience
Injury concerns
Defensive awareness concerns
E=NG syndrome
Did not resign with last 2 teams
Pretty similar players with Hall being roughly 2 years older, I think the only up Hall has on Johnny to date is a better shot and quicker foot speed personally.
To me this echo's the mentality that if we can trade Johnny for premium assets (early 1st, A+ prospects , Solid roster player) and use those assets to shore up our RW/RHS and C depth and sign Hall to a half decent contract I think we put ourselves ahead.
This of course hinges on whether you think Johnny will re-sign in Calgary for a "team friendly" deal which I don't think is going to happen. In 2 years time Johnny will be making likely 9.5 to 10M a season.
If we do NOT trade Johnny this year his value will go down substantially next year and again in his UFA year.
Hard decision, but a shakeup I personally feel is needed.