When the clock struck noon and free agency opened last Friday, Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams made an immediate phone call to agent Darren Ferris. His message: The Sabres were interested in bringing Taylor Hall to Buffalo.
It quickly became clear that the interest was mutual. Hall made the move official Sunday, signing a one-year contract worth $8 million.
"I made it very clear in the beginning to Darren Ferris and their group that we want players who want to be here," Adams said. "We want players that are humble and hungry and want to win and want to be a part of something special. And if that didn't fit, then we wouldn't keep going down the road and have conversations.
"But it became very clear quickly that there was interest. Taylor had an interest in being here and being part of something special. And here's where we got to, so it's exciting."
'Humble and hungry' | Kevyn Adams details the Taylor Hall signing
The 2018 Hart Trophy winner signed a 1-year deal Sunday
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