Shero: 'Zero chance' Devils would have traded Hall at deadline

Warning: Story contains coarse language

Calling New Jersey Devils general manager Ray Shero about Taylor Hall before the NHL trade deadline likely would have resulted in a blunt response.

Shero was recently asked about how much he considered dealing the reigning MVP.

"Less than fucking zero," he told The Athletic's Craig Custance at the GM meetings in Florida this week. "Zero percent. Someone (in the media) asked me that two weeks before the deadline. Zero chance. Zero. Just to make it clear."

Hall was never rumored to be on the block. However, his contract expires after the 2019-20 season, and the struggling Devils could have recouped strong assets in exchange for the superstar winger.

The 27-year-old is eligible to sign an extension with New Jersey on July 1, and he's primed for a substantial raise over the $6 million cap hit Hall currently carries. Last summer, Devils owner Josh Harris said an extension for Hall is the franchise's top priority during the 2019 offseason.

Hall recently underwent knee surgery and hasn't suited up since Dec. 27. Before the injury, he recorded 37 points in 33 games, which still places him fourth on the team.