24. Taylor Hall, Sabres: Hall was pushed down this list for a couple of reasons. One, even on an expiring contract, he’s expensive. Most teams just don’t have the financial flexibility to add $8 million, even pro-rated. “Buffalo is going to have to eat half the money and I don’t know what pick they’re getting to do it. Maybe a second? They’re not getting a first,” said one executive. “There still aren’t many top-six guys you can add and he’s a top six. No one is going to want to take on the pro-rated $8 million cash.”

The second reason he’s not higher is that Hall has complete trade protection. And according to an NHL source, he’s enjoyed his time in Buffalo and wouldn’t necessarily be eager to waive it. It’s possible that a contract extension is more likely than a trade here.