The Detroit Red Wings have had a sluggish start to the season, and one trade proposal suggests they could land a star forward.
Using the PuckGM tool on the PuckPedia website, which allows users to create their own trades, one user put forward a deal that would see the Red Wings acquire Taylor Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks.
Red Wings acquire:
Taylor Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks, with $3 million of his salary retained.
Blackhawks acquire:
- 2025 third-round pick (Rangers’)
- 2025 fourth-round pick
- Christian Fischer
The proposed trade would send former MVP Taylor Hall to Detroit in exchange for an NHL forward and two draft picks.
Hall is in the final year of his four-year, $24 million contract with the Blackhawks. Initially expected to be a key player for Chicago, Hall became a surprising healthy scratch, sparking speculation about a potential trade. So far this season, he has played in 20 games, recording 2 goals and 4 assists for a total of 6 points.
In exchange for Taylor Hall, the Red Wings would send two draft picks and Christian Fischer to the Blackhawks. Fischer, in the final year of his one-year, $1.13 million deal, is a 27-year-old forward who will bring physicality and depth scoring to Chicago’s offense. So far this season, Fischer has played 19 games, recording 1 goal and 1 assist for 2 points.
Hall’s ‘Unexpected’ Healthy Scratch
Taylor Hall was caught off guard when he was made a healthy scratch on November 16. The former MVP and first-overall pick had not been expecting the decision. Afterward, Hall spoke with coach Luke Richardson, and they agreed on the approach moving forward.
“We communicated,” Hall explained. “It wasn’t anything argumentative. He thought it was best for me to reset, so that’s what I’m going to do. I’m not immune to coaching or being held accountable. I just want to play better and be better for our team.”
Hall expressed his surprise at being scratched, as there had been no prior discussions about issues with his performance.
“If there were some conversations in the days leading up about my game, or if I was constantly being shown video, it would be one thing,” he said. “I was a bit surprised.”
After the discussion, Hall understood what he needed to work on and was eager to return to the lineup.
“(Richardson) thought it was best for me to reset, and so that’s what I’m going to do,” Hall said. “There (are) some things in my game that when I’m not playing well, Luke and the coaching staff obviously just want me to do a bit better, so that’s really it. We talked, we talked today, and I’m excited to play.”
Red Wings Coach Stays Positive Despite Slow Start
The Red Wings entered the season with playoff hopes but have had a slow start, posting an 8-10-2 record. On November 23, they suffered a tight 1-0 loss to the Boston Bruins. Despite the setback, coach Derek Lalonde remained optimistic, praising his team’s overall performance.
“It looked like both teams were committed to playing the right way, being above and not giving up easy offense,” Lalonde said. “You need the power play, and they got one. I know it feels lucky, but they got a puck to the net off Mo and it went in. Tight game like this, the difference is special teams and they won, 1-0.”
The Red Wings will look to bounce back when they face the New York Islanders on November 25.
