The Boston Bruins needed to clear some cap space and found a willing participant in the Chicago Blackhawks. The two have agreed on a four-player trade that includes Taylor Hall. The full deal is as follows:
- To Chicago: Taylor Hall, Nick Foligno (UFA)
- To Boston: Ian Mitchell (RFA), Alec Regula (RFA)
The Bruins will not retain any salary in the deal.
Hall, 31, signed a four-year $24MM contract with the Bruins in 2021 but will last just two seasons before joining the sixth NHL team of his career. The deal does include a 16-team no-trade clause (that drops to 10 teams in a few days) but Chris Johnston of North Star Bets reports that Chicago was not one of the blocked destinations, meaning Boston did not need his approval.
Hall’s $6MM cap hit is not a huge overpayment, as he is still a fine middle-six winger, but the Bruins found themselves in a precarious situation with just a few days before free agency opens. They are interested in bringing back trade deadline acquisition Tyler Bertuzzi, but needed to clear cap before working out any deal. It will be interesting to see if they can close the gap and keep Bertuzzi in the fold once Hall is officially off the books.
After being a part of the best regular season team in history, moving to Chicago is a significant downgrade for Hall. He isn’t joining an organization completely bereft of talent, though—he may even get to play with Connor Bedard, depending on how things shake out.
There is, of course, the possibility that the Blackhawks flip the 2018 Hart Trophy winner as they continue their rebuild. Two years of Hall isn’t going to do a ton for their Stanley Cup chances, and perhaps retaining some salary could mean even more assets for the Bedard-led club a few years from now.
Foligno’s inclusion is interesting, given he is a pending unrestricted free agent. Perhaps he will join the Blackhawks on a new deal to help lend some veteran leadership to the young group. The veteran forward is set to turn 36 in October but had a bounce-back season this year with 26 points in 60 games.
In terms of return for the Bruins, it’s really about the cap space. Mitchell and Regula are both fringe NHLers, who may have missed their window of real potential. Perhaps the Bruins see enough in one or both of them to make them a roster regular next season, but the young defensemen may again be destined for the minor leagues.
Mitchell, 24, played 35 games for the Blackhawks this season, registering one goal and eight points. The 2017 second-round pick has just 82 NHL games under his belt to this point, and is arbitration eligible as an RFA this summer. Interestingly, he does have a connection to Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery, who recruited and coached Mitchell at the University of Denver for one season.
Meanwhile, Regula is still just 22 but barely has any NHL experience. He saw just four games with the Blackhawks this season and has suited up 22 times in his career, registering a single point. Selected in the second round of the 2018 draft by the Detroit Red Wings, he is not yet eligible for arbitration.
At the very worst, the defenders could stretch out the depth chart for the Bruins, giving them valuable options to turn to in case of injury or poor performance next season.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet first broke the news that Hall was headed to the Blackhawks. Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reported the full deal.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
This better not involve draft picks from the Hawks.
Just Bedard
It’s kinda a win/win for both parties. Boston sheds salary, Hawks get closer to the cap floor. I assume picks will be involved, but hoping more of pick swaps.
I’m betting it’s nothing but the infamous “Future Considerations”. Maybe even a sweetener coming along with Hall. But I bet not much of one.
@jdgoat that’s all? Bruins got robbed
There aren’t going to be any picks involved. This is just a money transaction. Mitchell and Regula were Bowman acquisitions. Davidson is clearing the way for Korchinski, Allan, Vlasic, Del Mastro, and Rinzel.. Plus whoever they draft this year in the 2nd round. You would think if they keep all four picks D-men will be involved. Plus like the article says, Neither Regula or Mitchell has done much especially Mitchell who was crowed about for years. Change of scenery might help.
Hawks already have Jones, Murphy, Zaitsev, Tinordi and probably will re sign Jones little brother. So doesn’t leave much room for those 2 and they’re not worth the RFA tender so time to go.
I wouldn’t bet on Caleb Jones getting a one way contract. They need to see Vlassic and Phillips on the big team.
I’m still not sold on Phillips by any means. Whether Caleb Jones stays or goes is by definition meaningless. There are still moves to be made depending on what they do with Zaitsev and Murphy. Unfortunately the older Jones is here forever, Like expensive Herpes, Only without the fun in getting it.
Black Ace, they did it for the cap space
This makes so much sense I can’t believe we didn’t think of it earlier.
Looks like Bedard has a new linemate
After a teardown, they start with a Hall.
And Foligno. Gotta get to that floor, I guess.
The foligno add is very strange. Since he’s a UFA in 4 days
The Hawks will probably just let him walk. Unless he actually would like to play here. I would kind of hope the Bruins would of let him decide. If he’s a UFA the Hawks are just getting his rights for a week anyway. Maybe the Hawks sign him, And retain some money and trade him where he wants to go. I’m betting the Hawks keep Hall for this year and knock another year off his deal and flip him next year. Kind of like they’re going to do with Johnson. His deal is up this year so he’s probably going at the deadline. Hey maybe it’ll be Christmas and somebody will actually want Mrazek. Okay now I’m just talking crazy thoughts. Good Luck Gavin! Enjoyed your stuff. Happy Days.
Cap hit is on the hooks until July 1. Trading him now means he’s tax cleared earlier so likely needed the money gone for a bigger incoming salary before July 1. Another trade is likely coming this week.
Yeah but if he walks the Hawks aren’t on the hook for anything. However, If the Hawks sign him for more money than another team wants to pay, Foligno can basically double dip and collect more money. That way the Hawks get closer to the floor, The Bruins save money and maybe the Hawks get a prospect or Late rd. pick back. I can’t see the Hawks getting much more than that from a team who could just sign him as a FA.
“There is, of course, the possibility that the Blackhawks flip the 2018 Hart Trophy winner, as they continue their rebuild.”
I don’t see this happening. You have to surround Bedard with SOME talent, and you also have to get to, and stay at, the cap floor. Bedard isn’t going to step on the ice and instantly be a Hall of Fame candidate (Alexandre Daigle, anyone?), so you have to have some veteran talent, to help grow his game. No brainer to keep Hall around for a year or so, at least.
Totally agree. You can’t have a lineup of 20 teenagers.
And if they resign Fliggy he’d be a great mentor to a young kid like Bedard.
I must admit this is kind of neat for me. One of the first articles I wrote for PHR was Hall’s trade to New Jersey, just a few weeks after we launched the site. Now, nearly seven years to the day, just as I’m preparing to say goodbye to the site, I get to write another one.
You should stay on payroll, but only for Taylor Hall stories.
@Gavin – I was afraid something like that might be happening for you. I hope it’s to greener pastures, like The Athletic, or something along those lines. You’ll be missed around here by many of us, that’s for sure.
Good luck Gavin!
The Athletic is greener pastures? Cowley writes there which means anybody can.
@Unclemike1526 – There are a few good eggs at The Athletic, if that’s where @Gavin’s headed. I would call that an “add” for them, not a “dash 1”, as it were.
How can you leave a motley crew like us? :p
Good luck with your future endeavors. :)
It’s definitely an add for them if he is. Too many fools for me to pay to read it though.
@Mac – See what happens when we don’t move these writers for assets before they leave as UFA’s? :D
Good one, Bear!
@Gbear – This is one of those situations where trading for cap space isn’t the best for all involved. Our worst nightmare will turn out that PLD rejects LAK & MTL, even though he has yet another bumper sticker stating, “I (heart) MTL…for $12.5MM AAV (CAD!)”
@MacJablonski:
So you must be an Athletic supporter…
Sorry, couldn’t resist
@KRB – Cupless, though. One too many deadlines missed on the old IT job, and POW! Right to the short hairs. :(
@Mac – Are you telling me that PLD might be taking over PHR? :D
@Gbear – In the business world, it’s called a “hostile takeover”, where that *one* guy, who isn’t committed to a 200′ game, just makes a mess of everything. Remember, he’s trying to put the “Gold” in Goldilocks. “And *this* team is just right!” (Until they blame me for being a locker room cancer and missing the playoffs again.)
God, the jokes here are horrible….
I love it!
@KRB – And the great thing is, the offseason is just getting started. :)
@Gavin, Thanks for all the great writing,the memories, and sharing your love of Hockey and all the awesome fans out there wish you the best in your future endeavors, hopefully you will pop in on us and share as a normal fan of this great site.
@G – I have to take another skate of shame for not thinking of that idea. Thanks for having my back, again, @G!
your welcome Mac, campground after 2 months finally got a new cell tower and new internet after storms blew the other one away ,so back at it and seen Gavin was leaving us.
@G – Glad to see you’re OK!
The Bruins need cap space, The Hawks are trying to get better players to line up with Bedard, Win win.
I think the Hawks retain salary and flip Hall to a contender. Hall does not have a cup yet! He probably waived for the Hawks because the Hawks said they would flip him.
he didnt have a choice
You really think the Hawks were on Hall’s trade list??? He had 10 teams he did not have to go to!
Use him for the season. Flip him at the deadline maybe, but not sooner. They need somebody in the lineup.
Unless a team is tripping over themselves to acquire Hall now, best bet would be to let him skate on Bedard’s wing and try to rebuild his value. Bedard gets a veteran wing to learn from/play with while Hall gets a potential chance to showcase himself as a top six winger again. If Hall is having a good year by the deadline, somebody will look to bring him in if the Hawks retain salary which should really sweeten the return.
You’re correct. Hall will have a much higher trade value at next years deadline than he has today. Hawks will move him for picks.
Hawks should target Beauviller to be their #2LW and provide some defensive awareness mentoring to the young Chicago team. Would also help them hit the cap floor.
Don’t want to be letting in 5+ goals a game. Need some defensive forward help.
Sadly Ullmark’s probably the next to go instead of them finally doing what should’ve been yrs ago by trading DeBrusk and Griz
I believe Gryzlek or Forbert will be next to go. Would’nt be surprised to see Ullmark go to Winnipeg for Schiefley (spelling?) especially if Bergeron retires.
Me i would keep Forbert to pair with any young guys like Zboril for the third pair
This is pure salary dump, Chicago will turn around and trade Hall, for more picks prospects this week before draft.
Doubtful. Chicago needs bodies in the lineup and has to get to the cap floor.
Not this year anyway.
Any chance they can bring back Max Domi?
I liked his grit and hustle.
cub- I’d place the odds at 75% that Domi will be back on a 2 year deal worth a bit more than AA’s deal. He came here in the first place because he and Richardson have a mutual admiration society. The Hawks have the money and can keep him easily for 2-3 years plus he’s a valuable guy for Face Offs, the PK and PP.
Perfect place for Hall no pressure. to win. Will probably put good numbers. Some team pick him up fools. lol. Least talented guy to ever be MVP. At least Theodore had a special year . Now boston will probably move a defensemen should be Carlo , Forbert or Reilly . probably one guy with talent Grzelcyk. he is only one i would want of these four.
I like Hall, I always thought he was too classy for Boston. Glad to see him out. Boston can keep Bertuzzi, they love their violent goobers with a scoring touch.
Too classy? Now on his 6th team in 13 years. That should say it all.
I’d rather have Hall and Foiligno than Buddy Robinson and Jughar Khaira any day. If the Hawks bring back Domi, with Hall, Foligno, Bedard, Reichel, AA, Bjork and the young guys they might actually score some goals this year.
Guys I found the Boston homer.
Easy homer dont get all political now it’s just hockey
Trannyonto, that’s a big word from a small man. Take it easy I see you got a little butthurt but it will be ok
Trans rights are human rights. :)
(sighs) Hall did well for Boston, and Foligno had a much better season than the previous one; I’m sad to see them go in a pure dump for nothing in return. Doing it solely to ink Bertuzzi — fine when he’s not hurt, but he’s hurt far too often, and word is that his hands are compromised — is not what I’d call a good tradeoff.
If they had to do a pure salary dump, I’d much rather they’d found a sucker to take on Forbert, Reilly and Grzelcyk; they’ve way too much money sunk in the blue line.
They will definitely still dump one of the guys you mentioned if not 2 of them
Oh you think my name says something about the jays? Doh
Pretty obvious one of those dmen are getting moved don’t need to be a psychic just a education in hockey.