Blackhawks’ Taylor Hall to Miss Rest of Season After Knee Surgery: What It Means for the Team

Chicago Blackhawks’ veteran winger Taylor Hall is expected to miss the remainder of the 2023-24 season due to knee surgery. The team announced this disappointing news on Thursday, revealing that the 32-year-old will likely be sidelined until 2024-25. This comes as a blow to the team’s offense, which currently ranks 31st in the NHL, averaging 2.54 goals per game.

The Blackhawks had high hopes for Hall when they acquired him in the offseason, aiming to pair him with rookie Connor Bedard to enhance the team’s offensive capabilities. However, this plan did not materialize as Hall only managed to play 10 games, with a mere 64 minutes and 57 seconds of 5v5 ice time alongside Bedard. During his limited time on the ice, Hall only contributed four points in a Blackhawks jersey.

Notably, Hall’s offensive production has declined in recent years, with only one season of over 40 points since leaving the New Jersey Devils midway through the 2019-20 season. Despite his setback, there is a possibility for Hall to make a comeback with the Blackhawks in the 2024-25 season, as he remains under contract. The team, with minimal salary-cap concerns, may explore the option of bringing him back for a potential rebound season.

Currently holding a $6 million cap hit, the absence of Hall is unlikely to cause significant financial strain on the Blackhawks, who already had nearly $4 million in cap space before the injury news. In fact, his absence may even slightly weaken the team, potentially improving their chances of securing a top pick in the upcoming NHL Draft next year, as the team currently holds a 5-12-0 record.