Five NHL Trade Destinations For Blackhawks' Taylor Hall and Ryan Donato
Ryan Donato and Taylor Hall are both feeling the effects of playing on a Chicago Blackhawks team that plunged headfirst into a rebuild.
The Blackhawks currently sit in last place in the NHL despite rostering a player many consider to have the brightest future in Connor Bedard. As the struggles for the Blackhawks continue, a plethora of names are being thrown out when discussing the upcoming NHL trade deadline, and the Blackhawks' list of trade-bait players begins with Donato and Hall. The latter told reporters he is aware he'll likely be traded by the deadline.
According to the Athletic, the Blackhawks could get third-round picks for the pending UFAs. Donato is currently on pace to set a career high in goals and points, and Hall, who isn’t having as productive of a season as he has in the past, had found his game for a bit when playing with Bedard.
Connor Bedard ➡️ Taylor Hall pic.twitter.com/31e1qJ9gl1
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 10, 2024
Here are five teams that could be good fits for either Donato or Hall.
Boston Bruins
Donato and Hall have both played for the Bruins in the past. Hall was acquired by the Bruins during the 2020-21 season and proved to be a valuable piece on their second line. During his Bruins tenure, he recorded 44 goals and 111 points in 158 games.
Donato was a second-round pick by the Bruins in 2014 but was traded to the Minnesota Wild after playing just 46 games.
The Bruins have struggled mightily to score goals this season and could use any help they can get. Only three forwards are averaging at least half a point per game, which is shocking. Either Donato or Hall would fit very nicely in the Bruins' middle six as they did in the past.
Depending on how long Hampus Lindholm remains on long-term injured reserve, the Bruins could add Donato's $2-million cap hit or Hall if Chicago retained salary on his $6-million cap hit. But Donato is the more affordable option and would likely be the better fit for Boston.
New Jersey Devils
Another former team for Hall could come knocking with a glaring need for help on the left wing.
Hall played three-and-a-half seasons with the Devils, winning the Hart Trophy and scoring 76 goals and 208 points in 211 games.
During his Devils tenure, Hall had to do the heavy lifting for the Devils' offense, but in their new era headlined by Jack Hughes, Hall could be a complementary piece on any of the Devils’ top three lines. He's best suited for that type of role, as it's worked nicely when Hall plays with Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi. Most of Hall's struggles this season have come when trying to drive a line.
Donato, on the other hand, would be a great fit on their third line, playing next to two of Erik Haula, Paul Cotter and Dawson Mercer. He can generate chances at mid-range and in high-danger areas, which can supplement the Devils' offense and improve their consistency. They're 11th in goals-for per game, but when the playoffs arrive, having Donato or Hall give them more depth to increase that offensive production will be a massive benefit in beating other strong teams.
Related: Why The Bruins, Canucks, Stars And Kings Could Buy By The NHL Trade Deadline
Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks have made the headlines on several occasions this season, and their plan as they approach the deadline is uncertain.
If they decide to trade one of Elias Pettersson or J.T Miller, it could make their goals for this season unclear. But if they decide to keep them and push for the playoffs and a long run, they’ll need scoring help.
Hall or Donato would be an upgrade over any of the Canucks' options as the second-line left winger. The 24-year-old Nils Hoglander has scored just three goals and nine points this season and has watched his ice time dwindle. Phil Di Giuseppe is the current left winger with Miller and Brock Boeser but isn't producing, either.
The Canucks could acquire Donato right now, but if they wanted to get Hall, they could continue to accrue cap space and trade for him closer to the deadline. They have about $5 million in cap space right now.
Related: Why Blackhawks' Taylor Hall Is Worth Trading For Right Now
Detroit Red Wings
Ever since Todd McLellan told his players to just “play f------ hockey,” the Red Wings have been rolling and are just four points out of a playoff spot.
Even though they are playing great hockey, they still need reinforcements, and the help they need is on the wing. Marco Kasper is an exciting prospect but has shown he isn’t quite ready for a top-six role yet. Adding a stop-gap in Hall to play alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond would give them a skilled left winger with decent speed.
Related: Detroit Red Wings Get Elite Bump After Being Told To 'Play F------ Hockey'
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings really need winger depth. They're playing 11 forwards right now while Alex Laferriere is injured.
The Kings have become the NHL's best defensive team regarding goals allowed per game under coach Jim Hiller. But they're 18th in goals-for per game, and they could run into scoring issues in the playoffs. They may also face the Edmonton Oilers yet again in the first round, and they should try to get as good as they can to overcome that hurdle.
Los Angeles can afford to add Hall or Donato to boost its offense without harming its reputation on defense. Giving Quinton Byfield and Trevor Moore a playmaker like Hall can help them return to last year's production levels when they had 20 and 31 goals, respectively, while Warren Foegele could move to the third line.
Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or by visiting our forum.