One season after finishing last in the Eastern Conference at 28-40-14, the Devils went 44-29-9 to clinch the second wild card into the playoffs from the East. It was their first playoff appearance since 2011-12, and although they took a step in the right direction, Hall said there is plenty of work to be done.
"We won one playoff game against the Lightning, so as much as this year was a success, we still have a long way to go," he said. "As we start adding more pieces and guys get more experience and improve as players, you're going to see that."
Hall has been mentioned as a possible finalist for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the NHL most valuable player.
"I'd love to be in Las Vegas and go to the NHL Awards Show (on June 20), but we'll see what happens," Hall said. "It's been a successful season for me, personally, and lot of fun to come here and grow as a player and as a person. I think it'd be nice to be recognized, for sure, but I like I said, I think I can get better as a player and I'm looking forward to doing that this summer."
Right wing Kyle Palmieri, Hall's linemate for much of the season, said Hall would be his choice for MVP.
"He's hopefully going to be there getting a trophy in June that he definitely deserves," Palmieri said. "He had the type of year you don't see too often. The way he put this team on his back and led the way was something really special to be a part of, and I was really happy I got to play with him and forward
Hall had 40 points more than he did in his first season with the Devils in 2016-17, 53 points (20 goals, 33 assists) in 72 games after he was acquired from the Edmonton Oilers in a trade for defenseman Adam Larsson on June 30, 2016.
"You want to keep improving, and as much as you think you will play this game forever, I probably only have a few more years left where my body can really keep going, so I need to keep improving," said Hall, who declined to play for Canada in the 2018 IIHF World Championship so he can rest before beginning on-ice workouts in June to prepare for next season. "As time goes on, you get into your 30s and you have to figure out what role you have on the team. That's when you have to pass the torch a little bit. Hopefully I have a few years before that."
Hall has two seasons remaining on his contract before he could become an unrestricted free agent July 1, 2020, but he said he isn't looking too far ahead and prefers to focus on next season.
"I like it here in New Jersey, and it would take a good reason to want to leave, but we'll see how that plays out," Hall said. "There's a lot of time before my contract is done."
