Nothing official has been announced at this time, but it sure sounds like the Boston Bruins and free agent left winger Taylor Hall are inching closer to a new contract.
Reports on Wednesday indicated that the Bruins and Hall had made "meaningful progress" toward a new deal. Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff tweeted he "wouldn't be surprised to see" a Hall contract around four years with a $6 million AAV.
On Thursday morning, Bruins general manager provided an update on the talks with Hall's camp. Sweeney said the two sides have made "significant progress." He also noted "we hope to find a finish line" in regards to Hall.
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Both the Bruins and Hall have publicly stated in recent months a desire to continue their partnership beyond the 2020-21 season. Hall said after the Bruins were eliminated from the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs that he sees Boston as a fit for him.
The former Hart Trophy winner tallied 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 16 regular season games for the Bruins in 2021 after they acquired him from the Buffalo Sabres via trade on April 12.
The NHL's roster freeze is lifted Thursday at 1 p.m. ET. Teams can begin making trades at that time as well. Free agency begins Wednesday, July 28.