November 29, 2024 | 11:00pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

HALL A PRIME TRADE CANDIDATE FOR CHICAGO?

Taylor Hall, forward

As the NHL moves into the second quarter of its season, teams are beginning to identify players they plan on inquiring about or pursuing via trade.

The Chicago Blackhawks sit last in the NHL with an 8-13-2 record and are one point back of both the Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators.

The Blackhawks have multiple players on expiring contracts who will be trade targets this season, if not already, and GM Kyle Davidson could be fairly busy between now and the trade deadline.

Forwards Taylor Hall, Ryan Donato, Pat Maroon, Andreas Athanasiou and Craig Smith, and defenceman Alec Martinez are all eligible to become unrestricted free agents next July if they do not ink extensions with Chicago.

Donato, who comes with a $2 million salary cap hit, currently leads the Blackhawks in goals (10) and will be sought after by a Stanley Cup contender looking for middle-six depth up front.

Hall, who turned 33 earlier this month, may generate most of the interest, especially if Chicago is willing to retain up to half of his $6 million cap hit to help facilitate a trade. The Blackhawks have two retention slots still available to them this season if they want to eat on a couple more contracts before making moves.

While he has voiced his desire to stay in Chicago, Hall is in the final year of a four-year, $24 million contract. He has struggled offensively this season but picked up a hat trick on Wednesday – his first in the NHL since Dec 5, 2013. He did, however, go pointless Friday night in a 3-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild. Even if he steps up his offensive game, teams interested may insist on having the Hawks eat half of his contract.

The Calgary native has some say in where he ends up if Davidson agrees to a trade, as he owns a 10-team no-trade clause as part of his contract.