In exchange for Hall and Foligno, the Blackhawks sent the rights to restricted free agents Ian Mitchell and Alec Regula. Chicago will be responsible for the $6 million Hall is owed for the 2023-2024 season.
Hall, the 2018 Hart Memorial Trophy winner, had a productive season for the Bruins in 2022-23, recording 16 goals and 20 assists for 36 points in 61 games. However, his contract was a major obstacle for the Bruins as they looked to improve their roster.
The Blackhawks are acquiring Hall, hoping he can help them return to contention in the Western Conference. Hall has a proven track record of success in the NHL, and he could be a valuable addition to a young Blackhawks team who fully intends on making junior phenom Connar Bedard the first pick in Wednesday’s NHL Draft.
The trade is a win-win for both teams. The Bruins get the much-needed salary cap relief, while the Blackhawks acquire a talented player who could help them win in the short term and provide much-needed mentorship for the highly-touted Bedard.
By trading Hall, the Bruins have freed up $6 million in cap space, which they can use to pursue other free agents or make additional trades. The move also comes as the Bruins are facing many other salary cap challenges, including the need to re-sign restricted free agent David Pastrnak.
Who is Taylor Hall?
Hall was the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft selected by the Edmonton Oilers. Hall has also played for the New Jersey Devils, Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, and Boston Bruins. Hall has 264 regular season goals, 429 assists for 693 points, and a career +/- -26.
Hall is a two-time NHL All-Star and won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player in 2018 as a member of the New Jersey Devils. The newly acquired winger has 14 goals with 15 helpers over 39 career playoff games.
Hall is a dynamic offensive player known for his speed, skill, and big shot. He is also a strong playmaker and can create scoring chances for his teammates. Boston rarely used Hall on its special teams unit, but the winger has potted 77 power-play goals with 117 assists over 822 career games.
Here are some of Taylor Hall’s career highlights:
- First overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft
- NHL All-Star in 2011, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019
- Hart Memorial Trophy winner (MVP) in 2018
- Two-time Memorial Cup champion (2009 and 2010)
- 2010 World Junior Championship gold medalist
Conclusion
Trading for Hall was a good move for Chicago. They acquired a solid veteran who will provide leadership on the ice and in the dressing room. As a former No. 1 with incredibly high expectations coming into the league, Hall can help Bedard transition from top junior player to hopefully NHL superstar.
Hall has one year remaining on his contract and will likely skate alongside Bedard. This allows Chicago to separate Bedard and their other highly prized forward, Lukas Reichel, allowing each rookie to develop their games without competing for shots.
Finally, the Blackhawks paid very little for what they hoped to get from Hall. He isn’t the same player as in the past, but if he can be a strong mentor to Bedard, he’ll be well worth the $6 million Chicago will shell out this season.
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