All photos courtesy of Getty Images
Perspective is a word that Taylor Hall uses often these days – and for good reason.
Now 15 seasons into his NHL career, the first overall pick at the 2010 NHL Draft has experienced nearly every high and low the game can offer. From winning the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 2018 to battling through injury-plagued seasons, it all happened under the weight of lofty expectations.
But today, with more experience, a broader outlook and a deep appreciation for life beyond the rink, Hall – who signed a three-year contract extension with the Carolina Hurricanes on April 30 – says he’s never been happier, both on and off the ice.
“I think what will ultimately help you play the game better is having that peace and freedom in your personal life,” the 33-year-old told NHLPA.com.
And Hall has certainly found that.
In October 2023, he and his wife, Rachel, welcomed their first son, Stetson. The couple is now expecting their second child, another boy.
“It’s been great,” said Hall. “It’s definitely a change from the earlier part of my career, but it’s a lot more rewarding. Everyone talks about the different perspective that you get, but it really is true. It’s a lot easier to keep hockey at the rink when you come home – I enjoy that part of it.”
“A few days ago, Stetson picked up a mini stick for the first time. He started batting a ball around a bit, so that was a lot of fun to see. And he will have a brother soon. So, things are busy, but it’s a good kind of busy.”
Hall, who began his NHL journey with the Oilers in 2010, has since played for the New Jersey Devils, Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks before landing in Carolina via trade. Through whatever twists came his way, he credits Rachel for being a steadying force amid constant change.
“Our partners are the backbone of what we do as hockey players,” Hall said. “My wife has been incredible. We've moved around so much, and she’s been instrumental in making sure our family is always in a good spot.
“There’s also the social side of it. Every time you join a new team, she has to meet a new group of wives and girlfriends. That’s not easy – but she always does an amazing job.”
Now embracing his veteran role, Hall is relishing the chance to mentor younger players, just as others helped guide him in his early years.
“It’s been great,” said Hall, who has been with Carolina since January. “I try to do the best I can. I feel I have been in some unique situations over the course of my career, being on different teams and in different situations. I think I have a good perspective for players, especially the ones at the start of their careers.”
Though not the loudest voice in the locker room, Hall finds value in more personal connections.
“I have been at the top of my game and there are times where I have had to re-find my game. I’m not the loudest guy in the room. I feel like I am a good professional. I train the right way. I think when I am able to be one-on-one with the younger guys is when I am most comfortable, talking to them and sharing my experiences as a player and a person.”
That mentorship was evident during his time in Chicago, where Hall formed a bond with Connor Bedard, the Blackhawks' first overall pick in 2023.
“Being around Connor was cool for me. We had a lot of similarities as far as kids coming into the league. We are pretty similar in personality, too, and the drive I see from him reminded me of when I came into the league.
“There are not a lot of superstars in the world of sport who have to come into a league at 18 and are expected to perform like that – but he has. That mentorship was a fun thing for me. It was only a year and a half or so, but I enjoyed that. I hope for the best him.”
Hall, who has 739 points in 909 NHL regular-season games, is settled into his new home – both in terms of hockey and family life.
He and his family live in Muskoka, Ontario, during the offseason, but are embracing life in North Carolina.
“A huge reason why I wanted to sign with Carolina – it’s not just the group and the trajectory of where we are going as a team and how much fun I have playing with these guys – but family-wise, knowing where we would be next year with another baby on the way, it’s also a great place to raise a family.”
Hall’s love for the game remains strong, matched by an equally strong sense of purpose outside of it.
“Hockey is amazing, and I love the sport. I am so lucky that I was able to turn a childhood passion into this. I still love the game, but I know that there is going to be a whole life after hockey. Setting yourself up the best way possible, family-wise, personality-wise, is just as important as what happens on the ice.
“That’s the stage where I am at. Maybe it’s what the older guys say, but it really is important to be a well-rounded person.”
