Colorado Avalanche: Raiding the Oilers Roster

Apr 11, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Jordan Eberle (14) and forward Benoit Pouliot (67) celebrate forward Taylor Hall (4) goal against Vancouver Canucks goaltender Ryan Miller (30) during the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Jordan Eberle (14) and forward Benoit Pouliot (67) celebrate forward Taylor Hall (4) goal against Vancouver Canucks goaltender Ryan Miller (30) during the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 25, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Taylor Hall (4) carries the puck in the Colorado Avalanche zone during the third period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Taylor Hall (4) carries the puck in the Colorado Avalanche zone during the third period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /

Taylor Hall, Left Wing

Taylor Hall is an elite winger. He would instantly be our best forward and a centerpiece on our top line. On top of that, the Oilers fans do not want to see him traded, which to me makes him that much more desirable.

There are negatives though. He hasn’t been particularly durable in his career. His total games played in each of his 6 seasons are: 65, 61, 45 (lockout season), 75, 53, and for the first time ever, this season he played all 82 games.

He also gives the puck away far too often for my liking, produces poorly on the power play, and has been consistently criticized for his defensive play. Not exactly the kind of player to break the mold of the current Colorado Avalanche.

But he does have the size and physical play that coach Roy likes, and his Corsi numbers are something this team is severely lacking. Acquiring him would allow left wing Gabriel Landeskog to fit comfortably into a secondary role and would give us a clear-cut top line (whichever one he’s on).

Next: Jordan Eberle