Hall had a slow start with the Sabres in 2021 but found his stride after a midseason trade to the Bruins. Once in Boston, Hall was tied for 32nd with 14 points (8G / 6A) in 16 games. Hall was the perfect fit for the Bruins' second line and signs a very reasonable $6.0M AAV deal to stay with them for the next four years.
Gostisbehere was outstanding from 2016-to-2019, tying for 14th among defensemen with 187 points (46G / 141A) but has fallen out of favour over the last two seasons. Over that stretch he is tied for 90th but getting a second-round and seventh-round pick to take him is an easy gamble for the Coyotes. With Oliver Ekman-Larsson being traded to the Canucks, Gostisbehere should see plenty of PP time in 2021-22.
Slavin has been out since Game 1 but was on the ice for Tuesday's morning skate and will be a game-time decision for Game 5. Slavin skated with Dougie Hamilton this morning, which is a good sign for his availability tonight.
Kotkaniemi was a healthy scratch for Game 1 vs. Toronto but will replace Jake Evans (undisclosed) in the lineup for Game 2. Kotkanieimi, who will centre the fourth line, had 20 points (5G / 15A) in 56 games this season.
Kotkaniemi will be a surprise scratch for Game 1 of the postseason, as the Canadiens go with Phillip Danault, Nick Suzuki, Eric Staal and Jake Evans down the middle. In addition to Kotkaniemi, Cole Caufield and Alexander Romanov will both scratched as well.
Slavin missed the Hurricanes season finale with a lower-body injury he suffered in their second last game. Slavin was on the ice for Sunday's practice and Monday's morning skate, so there's a good chance he's available for Game 1. However, head coach Rod Brind'Amour would not commit to it.
