Taylor Hall Shares Sad Reality of Future with Blackhawks

As per Chicago Blackhawks beat reporter Ben Pope, Taylor Hall has apparately come to terms with his future with the organization likely being done. Noting that he wanted to stay and sign an extension with the team, Hall, while disheartened by the reality of his situation, has grown comfortable with the idea that he will be traded.

This change of desire to stay with the organization suggests that Hall has either been told he’s being moved, sees the writing on the wall, or is simply tired of losing. It seems as though, based on his comments, it’s one of the first two options.

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Pope quoted Hall from his media avail on Wednesday when he wrote:

“Taylor Hall believes he will likely be traded. He would be open to signing an extension but has “a feeling that’s not really in the cards.” “I came into this year wanting to be a Blackhawk for years to come. I don’t know if that’s going to be the case anymore.”

Rumors have surrounded Hall this season as the Blackhawks have struggled and his expiring contract is one that the team can likely trade at the deadline. A pending UFA making $6 million, if the Blackhawks retain salary (which they likely will to improve the return), Hall becomes an affordable rental with some upside for a contender.

Hall said he wanted to sign with the team, but the way their year has gone, and with his run-ins with former coach Luke Richardson, the organization and the player probably both realize the best play is to move on separately. The Blackhawks will get what they can and Hall will welcome a fresh start, with the hopes he either wins a Cup or plays well enough to secure himself another solid contract next season.

Hall Knows a Trade is Coming

To play a season where you know that a trade is likely coming can’t be easy. At the same time, being moved and starting again is nothing new for Hall. He’s talented, but he’s also played for several teams. His stops include the Edmonton Oilers, Arizona Coyotes, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, and the Blackhawks.

If he’s moved as a rental, it will be his seventh NHL stop. If he signs somewhere else this summer, that makes eight. That’s a lot of stops in a 13-year NHL career.

Next: Jets and Blackhawks Finalize Trade: Kuzmin for Phillips