Report: Avalanche perceived as favorites for Taylor Hall

The Colorado Avalanche are apparently making a serious run at acquiring New Jersey Devils star Taylor Hall.

"The feeling in the industry is that the Avalanche are the favorites right now, pushing to try and get Taylor Hall perhaps as soon as the Christmas break, which starts Dec. 19," Sportsnet's Chris Johnston reported on the latest edition of "Saturday Headlines."

Hall is in the final year of his current deal, which carries an average annual value of $6 million. The 28-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent in July, and Devils general manager Ray Shero is reportedly listening to offers amid the team's struggles this season.

The Avalanche own the fourth-lowest cap hit in 2019-20 with $5.95 million in projected space. Colorado also possesses a talented prospect pool that includes defensemen Bowen Byram and Conor Timmins, along with forwards Alex Newhook, Martin Kaut, and Vladislav Kamenev.

The Arizona Coyotes are another team reported to be interested in acquiring the Devils' star winger.

Hall entered Saturday's action leading all Devils with 23 points in 28 games. The Alberta native tallied a career-high 93-point season in 2017-18 to become the first player in franchise history to capture the Hart Trophy.