The Boston Bruins have made “significant progress” with pending unrestricted free agent Taylor Hall, general manager Don Sweeney told reporters Thursday.
Both Hall and the Bruins made it clear this offseason there's mutual interest in reaching a long-term agreement. Any deal is likely to get done soon because the roster freeze lifts at 1 p.m. ET, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman notes.
Friedman estimates Hall's new contract will be a four-year pact with an average annual value of $6 million.
The Bruins acquired Hall and Curtis Lazar from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Anders Bjork and a 2021 second-round draft pick in April. Buffalo retained half of Hall's $8 million salary.
Hall notoriously struggled with the Sabres while producing two goals over 37 games. The 2018 Hart Trophy winner returned to form after arriving in Boston, registering 14 points over 16 regular-season contests before logging five points across 11 playoff games.
The 29-year-old has played for five teams since becoming the first overall pick in 2010.
