Taylor Hall is eager to rejoin the Chicago Blackhawks, feeling optimistic as he returned to training camp after recovering from right knee surgery that kept him out for most of last season. It marked a significant moment for both Hall and the Blackhawks, who are in the midst of a rebuild.
Reflecting on his recovery journey, Hall shared his excitement about being back on the ice with his teammates after a long hiatus, stating, “I have a greater appreciation for what I do after being out for so long.”
Acquired alongside Nick Foligno in a June 2023 trade with Boston, Hall was brought in to add leadership and scoring depth to a young team that had just drafted Connor Bedard as the top overall pick. However, his debut season with Chicago was derailed by injuries, including a left shoulder issue and a right knee injury sustained during his third game back in November, which ultimately led to season-ending ACL surgery.
At 33, Hall’s 2023-24 season begins on a positive note, with him reporting full health and no restrictions in his physical activity. He noted that his focus now is on regaining his hockey instincts. One silver lining of his time off was the ability to spend more time with his newborn son, though he admitted it was difficult missing the entire season.
If Hall can regain his previous form, he could make a significant impact on Chicago’s offense. During a recent scrimmage, he played alongside Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi, hinting at a potential top-line role for the upcoming season.
A former No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 draft, Hall has a career total of 266 goals and 431 assists across 14 NHL seasons, including standout years in Edmonton, New Jersey, Boston, Arizona, and Buffalo. His most notable season came in 2017-18, when he scored 39 goals and 54 assists for New Jersey, earning the Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP.
Hall expressed confidence in his ability to contribute, saying, “Scoring is what I’ve done for a long time, and I know what I can bring to a team.” Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson echoed that sentiment, noting Hall’s intensity and readiness, adding that he’s setting the pace in training camp as the team looks to elevate its game.
