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 line mate 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.