Over the next few months, we could see a massive fire sale in Chicago. With the Blackhawks looking closer to the first overall pick than they are to a playoff berth, the team has nine players expected to hit some sort of free agency. That isn’t an indictment on Chicago’s future, as most of the important skaters for their future are already locked up through at least next season. However, we could see a handful of veteran skaters, especially those who don’t factor into the team’s long-term plans, leaving via free agency or trade before the deadline. GM Kyle Davidson will likely be looking to trade each of those players to at least get something in return for them, rather than just letting them hit the open market and losing them for nothing.
With the Blackhawks’ season trending in the wrong direction, one name in particular has popped up as a skater who will likely be traded before the deadline. In the first “trade big board” published by the Athletic this week, Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall was listed as the No. 4 trade piece in the entire league, implying that Hall leaving is a near certainty.
“The alarm bells started to sound when Hall was scratched for a game last week. He’s struggled to regain form after missing most of last season due to a knee injury, but NHL Edge data shows that one of his strongest attributes — his powerful skating stride — remains. Hall’s top speed of 22.46 miles per hour is well above league average. With the Blackhawks on a trajectory for another spin in the draft lottery and Hall a pending UFA in the later stages of his career, the veteran winger will likely be on the move again.” – Chris Johnston, the Athletic
There’s virtually no question that Hall being shipped off at the deadline is the best move for the Blackhawks if they can get a good return. He’s set to hit unrestricted free agency next summer and doesn’t profile as a long-term part of the franchise. With his declining production and $6 million cap hit, he won’t be brought back as Chicago looks toward the future.
However, those two reasons may be exactly why dealing Hall at this point could be difficult. As Johnston mentioned, the fact that he was a healthy scratch recently raised some eyebrows. His production thus far has been a far cry from his 2017-18 Hart Trophy campaign – he’s picked up just two goals in 20 games. With his price tag, it’ll be difficult to deal him to a contender and get anything of value in return, even if Chicago retains 50 percent of his $6 million salary.
If the Blackhawks can get anything for Hall, though, it’ll likely benefit them in the long run. Hall isn’t the only skater who could be traded before the deadline – it would be an excellent time to sell high on Ryan Donato, who has been incredible throughout this season, which is his last before hitting free agency. If Pat Maroon or Craig Smith can fetch some value, we could see them be traded before the deadline as well.
