Taylor Hall Clashing With Blackhawks Coach Over Practice Plans

With only two goals and six points in 17 games, Hall is still working his way back to full form after major knee surgery sidelined him for nearly all of last season. Richardson explained that Hall needs more practice to get back to the player he once was. Known for his speed and puck-handling confidence, that’s all but gone from his game. Hall stayed on the ice for extra work after Chicago’s morning skate on Saturday and he’ll take in more sessions like it before the coach considers putting him back in.

The Blackhawks Want Hall to Get More Practice Reps

“Unfortunately, the schedule hasn’t allowed a lot of practice time for him, so that’s the plan,” Richardson said. “We just want to get him a little bit more work. It’s hard to do that in games without getting too frustrated, so that’s our approach.” Hall doesn’t have much choice, but he isn’t pleased with the decision. “He’s not happy sitting out,” Richardson told the media.

There have been no reports that Hall is unhappy to the point he’s asked for a trade, but one has to wonder how long the pending UFA will be willing to sit on the sidelines if it looks like the Blackhawks have essentially written him off.

Richardson hinted that the benching could extend beyond one game, stating it’s part of a longer-term strategy to help Hall recover his form. “I know the player disagrees, but sometimes that happens.”