Taylor Hall hasn’t been this optimistic about the Edmonton Oilers in a while.
It would be fair for Hall to feel down after five straight losing seasons, but recent moves throughout the organization, including the hiring of new head coach Todd McLellan, have rejuvenated the 23-year-old winger.
Hall spoke glowingly of McLellan, whom he and teammate Jordan Eberle recently played for during a gold-medal run with Team Canada at the 2015 world championships in Czech Republic, in an extensive interview with The Edmonton Journal.
“You kind of forget how fun it is to be a part of a group of guys who win and have results,” Hall told the Journal‘s Jason Gregor. “And it’s not an insult to anyone in the (Oilers) organization or anything, but it just didn’t happen for us the past five years.
“Todd did a really good job of making sure everyone not only had a role but knew what it was and knew how to excel in it,” Hall said of Mclellan. “There were guys who were not playing as much as they were used to on their club teams, but everyone felt important in their role and everyone felt like what they were bringing to the team was something that was important.”
McLellan’s passion, energy, and attention to detail impressed Hall.
“This is a little thing, but what stood out for me was we’re over in Europe playing against European teams, guys who don’t play in the NHL, and he never messed up a name on the other team,” Hall explained. “It was obvious he researched a lot about the other team, he knows a lot about hockey and he’s a very precise guy, and that showed in our team.
The Oilers have had five head coaches since Hall was selected with the first overall pick at the 2010 NHL Draft, and he’s certainly hoping the worst is over.
“They say you have to lose to learn how to win. We’ve lost a lot and it was hard, but it is time to win,” Hall said. “I’m certainly more excited for next season than I was a month ago, and after experiencing winning again, I want my teammates to feel the same in Edmonton next year.
“I’ve learned a lot about myself on and off the ice the past five years, and even though it was difficult and frustrating, I truly believe it helped me. I’m better prepared to deal with adversity now. I’m mentally tougher and winning gold reinforced and reignited my passion for the game.”
Hall scored 14 goals and 24 assists in 53 games last season.