Taylor vs. Tyler: The 2010 Draft Debate That Still Echoes
Every NHL fan knows how draft day can change everything—sometimes in ways you never expect. Back in 2010, the Edmonton Oilers had the first overall pick, and everyone was buzzing about two players: Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin. The Oilers went with Hall, a flashy winger with speed and skill to spare. The Boston Bruins grabbed Seguin right after. Fast forward 15 years, and their careers have gone in very different directions—yet the “Taylor vs. Tyler?” question still pops up in hockey conversations everywhere.
Edmonton’s Big Bet on Hall
When Hall showed up in Edmonton, he quickly became the guy the team—and the fans—were counting on. His rookie season was impressive, putting up 42 points in 65 games. Not bad for a teenager stepping into the NHL spotlight. But here’s the thing: no matter how good Hall was, the Oilers just couldn’t get out of the basement. Six seasons, hundreds of points, zero playoff appearances. That’s tough. But it wasn’t because Hall wasn’t good enough—as most Oilers fans would admit, it was the team being built around him with management seemingly choosing to hit the reset button every other year.
Meanwhile, Over in Boston…
Seguin’s story was a bit different. He jumped onto a Bruins team loaded with veterans and even snagged a Stanley Cup in his rookie year. Pretty sweet start, right? But then, off-ice stuff and contract headaches led to a trade to Dallas in 2013. In Dallas, Seguin found his groove, becoming one of the league’s top scorers. It’s a reminder that sometimes it’s not just about talent—you need the right team and the right fit.
The Trade That Still Has Fans Talking
In 2016, the Oilers made a move that shocked a lot of people: trading Hall to the New Jersey Devils for defenseman Adam Larsson. One-for-one. At first glance, it made some sense—they needed defense, and Larsson was solid. But let’s be honest: Larsson never matched Hall’s impact. Fans and analysts called it a bad deal from day one. If Hall had stuck around, maybe Edmonton could have built something special with him and McDavid later on. Instead, they gave away a proven scorer for a player who was considered more of a role guy.
Hall’s Revival in New Jersey
Hall didn’t miss a beat in New Jersey. In 2018, he won the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s MVP, racking up 93 points and dragging the Devils into the playoffs. Finally, some postseason hockey for Hall! After that, though, things got a bit bumpy. Hall bounced around a few teams—the Coyotes, Sabres, and Bruins—showing flashes of his old self but never really settling.
Chicago and Carolina: New Homes, New Roles
In 2023, Hall landed with the Blackhawks, teaming up with rising star Connor Bedard. He brought veteran savvy to a young, rebuilding team and even lit the lamp with a hat trick, reminding everyone why he was once the No. 1 pick. Unfortunately, injuries slowed him down. Then, in early 2025, a blockbuster three-team trade sent Hall to the Hurricanes. Carolina liked what they saw enough to give him a three-year contract extension, a rare bit of stability for a guy who’s been on the move. He wrapped up the season with solid numbers and has become a reliable piece for a playoff-ready team.
What Really Went Wrong in Edmonton?
Looking back, Hall wasn’t the problem in Edmonton. He was the guy carrying the team’s offense and heart. The problem was the built roster, the management decisions, and just plain bad timing. From the outsider's view, trading Hall for Larsson felt like a panic move—and in hindsight, it seems as if it was. Edmonton eventually built a contender—a team that has competed in back-to-back Stanley Cup finals—but that was after moving on from Hall and drafting Connor McDavid. Still, you can’t help but wonder: what if they had built around Hall instead of trading him? What if?
The Bottom Line
The Taylor vs. Tyler debate isn’t really about who was better anymore. Both became NHL stars, but their success hinged on the teams around them. Hall’s journey shows that talent can shine even when the team struggles, but a great player can only do so much without support. Now, as Hall settles into his role with Carolina, he’s a veteran presence on a solid team, chasing the Stanley Cup in a way that feels a bit like a second act.
And for Oilers fans? The conversation about that 2010 No. 1 draft pick will always be a bittersweet “what if.”