The Sabres players who did not enter COVID protocol have been practicing as a team since Tuesday following a week-long shutdown of team facilities. They were delivered synthetic ice and stationary bikes to stay active during the time away from the rink.
Hall had no such luxuries. Though asymptomatic, NHL regulations precluded Hall from working out even at home after testing positive for the virus. Days blended together as he simply passed the time, awaiting the opportunity to rejoin his teammates. He and other players within COVID protocol formed a group chat to check in on one another along the way.
"I'm working back into it," Hall said. "There's lots of times in the summer where I take seven to eight, nine days off at a time to rest and I come back and skate. You don't always feel great the first day but overall, it eventually comes back pretty quick and I'm not worried about that. Fitness is always a touchy kind of subject and I think some guys can overthink it a bit. Just kind of go out and play and see what happens."
Hall has nine points (1+8) through his first 10 games with the Sabres after signing a one-year deal during the offseason. The Sabres have played to a .500 points percentage and sit just three points out of a playoff spot despite having not played a game in nearly two weeks.
"I still believe in myself and what I can do and how I can help the team and the weapons that you can play with on this team, and that's why I wanted to come play here," he said.
"We're going to get it together as a team. We're still right in the middle of a playoff race that is there for the taking so I'm excited to be back and hopefully we can win some games here pretty quick."
