Links, News and Notes: Taylor Hall on the Trade Block, Discussing Hockey Culture, Chris Driedger’s Shutout

As the NHL marches past American Thanksgiving and into December, trade talk is starting to heat up as the trade deadline looms closer. One major trade target is discussed in this week’s edition on Monday Links, News and Notes, along with much more.

• The New Jersey Devils appear to be fielding offers on Taylor Hall, who’s scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. While the Sens are all but guaranteed to be out of the running for the star winger, it’s a tale we’re familiar with after the team’s exodus of star talent last trade deadline. With the Devils struggling and seemingly out of the play-off hunt, the likelihood of a blockbuster greatly increases. Rumoured destinations include Montreal, Calgary, Boston, San Jose and even a possible return to Edmonton.
• Former Senators coach Marc Crawford was back in the news this weekend, after retired NHL enforcer Sean Avery came forward with allegations that Crawford used to kick him during games. This comes in light of Bill Peters resigning earlier this week. While his racist comments were ultimately what forced him to resign, former player Michal Jordan also leveled kicking accusations similar to the abuse Avery described. It’s worth adding that Avery is also a noted bigot and overall agitator, however that may tie into your perception of the story. Crawford now works as an assistant coach for the Chicago Blackhawks since being let go by the Senators last summer.
• In a connected segment, Sportsnet ran a panel on Saturday called The Conversation, which included Ron MacLean, David Amber, and pro hockey players Sarah Nurse, Anthony Stewart and Anson Carter. They tackled topics including diversity and inclusion in hockey, being intolerant of racism and sexism, and the toxic roots of hockey culture. It’s an important step that these topics are being discussed in the mainstream media, to hopefully lead to a better future for hockey culture.
• Team Canada will announce their roster invites for the World Junior Championships later today at 1:00 PM. It’s expected that Jacob Bernard-Docker will be on the list, with Maxence Guénette and Jonny Tychonick also having an outside chance.
• Former Senators prospect Chris Driedger recorded a shutout in his first career NHL start with the Florida Panthers. The goalie who Pierre Dorion once called their goalie of the future  has been on fire since leaving the organization, posting a save percentage of 92.4% in 32 AHL games last season, and a 93.8% save percentage this season.
• Finally, the NHL’s annual All-Star vote has commenced for the 2020 All-Star Game in St. Louis. Three Senators are up for nomination: Thomas Chabot, Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Brady Tkachuk. But more importantly — and this has gone a bit under the radar — the NHL has re-opened the ability to vote for players aside from the pre-set nominees (see: ‘Search for more players’ at the bottom). I don’t know about you, but seeing Scott Sabourin amidst the NHL’s most talented stars might be fun./