New York Islanders should keep an eye on this forward

The New York Islanders should keep tabs on Chicago Blackhawks forward Taylor Hall. Hall is a former Hart Trophy winner with the New Jersey Devils. However, Hall has fallen from grace in the Windy City recently due to his subpar performance.

Hall has scored two goals and six points in 17 games this season. He’s been held off the scoresheet in his last four appearances, last registering two assists on November 3 against the Anaheim Ducks. A former first-overall pick of the Edmonton Oilers in 2020, Hall has been a bit of a journeyman as he hasn’t quite replicated his success from 2017-18.

But that doesn’t mean Hall isn’t a solid player at this point in his career. Hall is no longer an elite top-line winger. But he is a solid middle-six option who could boost the New York Islanders' depth scoring. At 33, Hall is still young enough to where he could be productive for a couple more seasons while adding leadership and tenacity to the Isles’ lineup.

Speculation picked up a few nights ago when the Blackhawks surprisingly scratched Hall for the club’s game against the Vancouver Canucks. Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson publicly dismissed any speculation that Hall was in the doghouse.

But that doesn’t mean Hall remains in the Blackhawks’ long-term plans. For the right price, Taylor Hall could be an interesting addition to the Islanders’ lineup, slotting in nicely on the third line with Casey Cizikas at center.

The price to get Taylor Hall

According to PuckPedia, Hall is in the last year of a four-year, $24 million deal signed with the Boston Bruins. The Bruins moved Hall to the Blackhawks last season. Hall’s $6 million cap hit could be a turnoff for the Isles. However, salary retention by Chicago, especially for one season could make the deal work.

Perhaps moving Pierre Engvall’s cap hit to Chicago could make the deal work. Of course, it’s worth noting that Hall will be a UFA this summer. So, the Islanders cannot afford to overpay for Hall. A late-round pick or low-tier prospect could be enough to pry Hall from Chicago.

Ultimately, Taylor Hall could be a decent addition for the New York Islanders. When the Isles’ are fully healthy, Hall could be a solid depth scoring option. In the meantime, Patrick Roy could experiment with Hall in the top six. That situation could give Roy more flexibility moving forward.

As long as the Isles don’t overpay, Hall could be worth keeping an eye on.