Taylor Hall has had a trying year in Chicago between being a healthy scratch under then- Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson, bumped to the fourth line under interim coach Anders Sorensen and now finds himself in trade rumors.

Chicago Blackhawks left winger Taylor Hall can be a valuable contributor to a more competitive NHL team without costing too much in a trade, writes Adam Proteau.

The Blackhawks acquired Hall and now-captain Nick Foligno from the Bruins on June 26, 2023, to be a mentor and potential linemate for Connor Bedard, Chicago's No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Hall missed most of last season after having surgery on his right knee in November 2023 and has played up and down the forward lines this season.

Taylor Hall’s actual black eye, courtesy of Calgary Flames forward Martin Pospisil, doesn’t hurt so much. “(Feels) good. It’s fine,” said Hall, whose right eyelid looked more red than black and had seven stitches in it.

Among those, the two highest valued rental players will likely be Taylor Hall and Ryan Donato. Both players are expected to fetch around a third round pick at the trade deadline, which isn't exactly encouraging considering the Blackhawks are a clear seller,

The Chicago Blackhawks are one of the few teams concretely out of the playoff race as the NHL Trade Deadline nears, meaning every contending team will be calling and trying to pluck their best players and assets.

Despite hopes for a longer tenure in the Windy City, Chicago Blackhawks forward Taylor Hall knows the writing is on the wall regarding his future with the organization.