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5 Deadline Trades That Impact Maple Leafs Stanley Cup Chances

By Stephen Nixon

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 13: Taylor Hall #71 of the Boston Bruins skates during the first period of a game against the Buffalo Sabres at TD Garden on April 13, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 13: Taylor Hall #71 of the Boston Bruins skates during the first period of a game against the Buffalo Sabres at TD Garden on April 13, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 13: Taylor Hall #71 of the Boston Bruins skates during the first period of a game against the Buffalo Sabres at TD Garden on April 13, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Taylor Hall Shipped to Boston

The Trade:

  • Boston Bruins acquire: Taylor Hall and Curtis Lazar
  • Buffalo Sabres acquire: Anders Bjork and 2021 second-round pick

The fact that a former Hart Trophy winner got traded for less of a return than Nick Foligno did is hard to comprehend, but at an $8M cap-hit, a no-movement clause, and only having scored two goals this year, it makes sense why.

Hall is such an interesting player. Currently on his fourth team in one year, he’s been bouncing around the league like a fourth-line grinder.

The Bruins already have one of the best first-lines in hockey, but Hall’s addition could make their second-line just as deadly. Paired beside David Krejci, if those two get going, they could be a nightmare for opponents in the playoffs.

Hall has played for some terrible teams, but the Bruins are clearly the most competent franchise he’s yet to be apart of. After stints in New Jersey, Edmonton, Arizona and Buffalo, Boston should hopefully provide some stability that he’s been missing.

The Bruins could still miss the playoffs, but Hall’s addition could take them from being on the verge of a playoff spot, to Stanley Cup contenders. They have a very tough division, having to play against either New York Islanders, Washington Capitals or Pittsburgh Penguins in the playoffs, but Hall could be a difference-maker down the stretch.

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