Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard didn’t hold back his disappointment after learning Taylor Hall had been traded on Friday.
The Hawks sent Hall to the Carolina Hurricanes as part of a blockbuster three-team deal in which they only landed a third-round pick in return for Hall. Chicago also retained 50% of Rantanen’s salary in the deal.
The Blackhawks phenom described how quickly the move unfolded, and offered some insight on how he learned about the trade. “I was shocked, to be honest with you,” Bedard said. “He was always giving me advice or there for questions. I ended up coming pretty close to him.
“So, sucks, sucks he’s gone.
“You’re hanging out. We got one minute, and then he’s gone and he’s not at the rink anymore.” “I was shocked, to be honest with you.”
“I was shocked, to be honest with you.”
Connor Bedard shares his thoughts on the Taylor Hall trade. pic.twitter.com/UEmS7BLecJ
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Hall’s departure marks a significant shift for the rebuilding Blackhawks, although it makes sense in the broader context of Chicago’s season.
The Blackhawks are the second-worst team in the NHL, have a 15-28-5 record, and are only one point above the San Jose Sharks in the league standings–albeit with four games in hand.
“I think he came in here and gave us everything he could.”
Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno echoed Bedard’s sentiments about losing Hall but acknowledged the franchise’s situation that led to it.
“We have no one else to blame but ourselves, really, in putting ourselves in the situation where they have to start thinking about the future and selling off,” Foligno said. “It’s not a fun feeling for anybody in here.
