Shero Not Concerned About Hall's Contract Situation With Devils

FILE -- Taylor Hall skates with the puck on a penalty shot during the second period of their game against the New York Rangers at Prudential Center.
Photo credit USA TODAY Images

The New Jersey Devils struck gold in April when it was announced that they had won the lottery for the first overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft.

New Jersey is likely to make Jack Hughes the top pick on Friday, adding a top line center to a strong, young core of players.

However, it remains unclear if the Devils will be able to lock up the team's best player to a long-term contract extension.

A report from earlier this month indicated that Taylor Hall is not interested in signing a new deal with New Jersey. This came after Hall made comments following the conclusion of the season about taking time to consider his options before he makes a decision on his future.

While the forward's comments worried some fans, Devils GM Ray Shero said he isn't concerned about Hall's contract situation with the team.

"It's not frustrating. It's part of the business that we're in," Shero said in an interview with ESPN. "If people take the time to read his quotes, or listen to his postseason press conference, I think you can pick out whatever you want to make it a headline. It's not what he meant. It's not what he intended to mean. But it gets taken and it gets circulated. I've heard nothing from Taylor Hall or (his agent) Darren Ferris."

New Jersey Devils left wing Taylor HallUSA TODAY Images

Hall was injured for most of the 2018-19 season. In 33 games, the 27-year-old registered 11 goals and 26 assists.

It was only the year before that the left winger finished with 39 goals and 54 assists on his way to becoming the first player in franchise history to take home the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's MVP.

Hall has one year left on the 7-year, $42 million extension he signed with Edmonton prior to the 2013-14 season. With him still under contract with the Devils, Shero is not worrying too much about the future.

"It'll play itself out. There's certainly no drama on our end, except when people try to make it," said the Devils general manager. "He has one year left on his contract, and I hope to get to it much sooner than that. Let's play it out through the draft. Go through free agency. See where we go. As we go through the summer, we'll sit down and see where we are. Do it the proper way. It's not a big deal. It really isn't. Especially when it comes to July 1. What is he going to do? Talk to other teams on July 1? 

"It's been a really good relationship with Taylor. But like with any young man or young woman, you're going to take time because you have decision to make about your future. So does your employer."