As we resume our player grades for the 2023-24 Chicago Blackhawks, we evaluate a player whose season prematurely ended due to a significant injury. Next up on our list is NHL veteran and former No. 1 overall draft pick Taylor Hall. The Blackhawks acquired Hall from the Boston Bruins last summer as Kyle Davidson weaponized his cap space to improve his roster.

The deal also brought back Nick Foligno’s rights, which led to a de facto captain in the locker room. Although Hall may not have had the best season, a lot of good transpired from the trade.

Story of the Season

Hall’s season was largely over before it ever started. The veteran suited up for 10 games in 2023-24 before tearing his ACL, knocking him out for the year. Hall attempted a comeback but was never the same and ultimately underwent surgery. He resumed skating late in the season and will be ready for the 2024-25 campaign.

In his 10 games played, the veteran tallied two goals and two assists while playing with Connor Bedard. Hall played in spurts, with his final game coming on Nov. 19 against the Buffalo Sabres at the United Center.

Entering the season, Hall was expected to bring leadership and scoring to the top line. Those objectives will surely be similar in 2024-25, but he’ll have additional veterans such as Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen to help with that mission.

Player Grades

Jonnie Nonnie’s Grade: C+

Ten games? That’s all we got? Ten goddamn games of Taylor Hall?! Like Andreas Athanasiou, Hall was expected to provide offensive firepower alongside Connor Bedard. Hall’s unfortunate ACL injury leaves us wondering what could have been, but again, we must grade on the material at our disposal.

I’m not in the locker room or on the team planes, so perhaps Hall mentored Bedard behind the scenes. But it stands to reason that Hall’s rehab commitments detracted from his availability to do so as effectively as hoped when he was acquired. Here’s to hoping for better health for Hall in 2024-25.

Tony Marchese’s Grade: Incomplete

I just can’t give anything besides an “Incomplete” grade for Hall. Brought in to be a top-line guy to help guide Bedard in his first taste of the NHL, Hall’s season lasted just 10 games before he was shut down for the year. In those 10 games, Hall lived up to what fans would expect from the former No. 1 overall pick, however, a larger body of work is needed for a pass or fail grade to be given out. He’ll have to repeat the grade in 2024-25.

Ron Luce’s Grade: B-

Lighter on Mr. Hall than my two colleagues, I think Taylor Hall had a quality 10 games before the injury. Injuries are freak events, and Hall’s was no different in 2023-24. He showed early promise playing with Connor Bedard, although No. 98 showed he could produce with anyone on his wings. Entering 2024-25, he likely isn’t on the top line consistently, but a 40-point campaign or better from Hall would be massive for the Hawks.

What’s On Tap Next?

Taylor Hall should rebound in year 2 with the Hawks, assuming he has a clean bill of health. He was tending positively on that front at the end of the season, so that should mean good things for the upcoming campaign. He’ll surely log top-6 minutes and play on one of the team’s two power-play units. If all goes well, Hall could have a season similar to that of his time with Boston in 2021-22.