Carolina Hurricanes

“I’m a Better Player Than Amount I Was Playing,” Says Taylor Hall

Taylor Hall said he was glad to be traded and noted he was a better player than the Chicago Blackhawks had him slotted. Is that true?

by
Jim Parsons
January 30, 2025

Taylor Hall wasn’t initially looking to leave Chicago. But, when communication issues between himself and former coach Luke Richardson popped up and his ice time went down under interm coach Anders Sorensen, Hall saw the writing on the wall. Still hoping to work things out and get a bigger role, Hall was eager to stick it out on a non-playoff team that will, one day, be a lot better. But, when he was finally traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, his uncertainty turned into relief.

In a recent article for The Athletic, Hall said:

“My playing time in Chicago, for whatever reason, was not what I would have liked it to be. So I was happy to be traded, and I was happy to come to a really good team that has a culture in place and a structure that I feel fits well with me.”

Article writer Mark Lazerus talked to Hall, and when the forward was dropped to the fourth line, he knew the end of his run with the Blackhawks was near. Understanding the team’s timeline and his didn’t match up, Hall said, “I’m definitely a better player than the amount I was playing. But you also understand where they’re coming from.”

Taylor Hall trade Hurricanes — Taylor Hall traded to the Hurricanes after being demoted by the Blackhawks

The Blackhawks know they’re going to struggle. The plan is to play the young guys and get them experience. “It was what it was. I still have a lot of respect for the people there and I did like being a Blackhawk a lot and loved the city. Just the way it worked out.”

How Good Is Taylor Hall?

Hall had nine goals and 15 assists in 46 games with the Blackhawks. His ice time is going up in Carolina, but he’s got one assist in two games.

Is Hall better than the Blackhawks gave him credit for? He’s on his seventh NHL team now and will be a free agent this season with uncertain prospects about how much interest there will be in his services. For a No. 1 overall draft pick, that’s a lot of movement.

There might be a reason he keeps getting traded. It’s not that he’s a bad player. But, how much better he is than what the Blackhawks intended to use him for is still unclear.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Daily News: Wild & Canucks, Hughes and Fleury