Blackhawks' Hall expects trade: Extension 'not really in the cards'

Chicago Blackhawks forward Taylor Hall wants to stay in the Windy City, but he believes he'll likely be dealt before the trade deadline.

"Yeah, I'd like to stay here," Hall said Wednesday. "I like the city, I like the group. I have a feeling that's not really in the cards. So, we'll see."

Hall has eight goals and 22 points in 43 games this season. The 33-year-old has a $6-million cap hit and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

"I came into this year wanting to continue being a Blackhawk for years to come," Hall said. "I don't know if that's gonna be the case anymore, but I'll leave that door open for sure. (I) understand that it's a business, and the team's gonna do what's best for them. I guess we'll see what happens."

Hall is averaging a career-low 15:08 and is currently lining up on the Blackhawks' fourth line with Ryan Donato and Pat Maroon.

Chicago acquired Hall from the Boston Bruins in 2023. He was limited to 10 games last year after sustaining a torn ACL.

A potential silver lining for Hall: A trade before the March 7 deadline would mean he'd likely join a playoff contender.

"There's always a bright spot, and there's always a positive that you can kinda take going forward," Hall said. "I mean, everyone in a contract year knows that there's a lot of different ways things can go. I'm ready for anything. I have a great wife who is always ready for a good adventure. If that's here, if that's somewhere else, we'll figure it out."

The Blackhawks are last in the NHL with a 14-28-2 record.