Breaking down the Chicago Blackhawks blockbuster three-team trade involving Taylor Hall

The Chicago Blackhawks may have just pulled off the biggest trade of the 2024-25 NHL season. In this massive deal, the Carolina Hurricanes acquired forwards Taylor Hall and Mikko Rantanen in a three-way trade involving the Colorado Avalanche and Chicago Blackhawks.

This trade possibly changed how the playoff picture will look.

Trade Details...

This is a trade that still has fans stunned but there’s a little bit of good and bad on the trade. Each one of these teams has different things in mind. Let’s break it down, shall we?

Carolina Hurricanes: Cup Contenders?

The Carolina Hurricanes went from playoff contenders to cup contenders. Adding in Taylor Hall and Mikko Rantanen gives Carolina an elite boost in scoring and creativity, complementing an already stacked roster.

Taylor Hall (2024-25 season stats so far):

• 24 points (9 goals, 15 assists) in 46 games
• -15 plus/minus rating
• Averaged 15:00 time on ice (TOI)
• Brings offensive creativity and veteran presence

Mikko Rantanen (2024-25 season stats so far):

• 64 points (25 goals, 39 assists) in 49 games
• +12 plus/minus rating
• Averaged 22:30 of TOI
• Known for his playmaking and elite vision

Carolina may have the best forward depth in the league with the additions of Taylor Hall and Mikko Rantanen. However, trading Martin Necas away does sting the team a little bit and it’ll look different but at least he'll bring a lot of offensive production for the Avs.

Colorado Avalanche: Changes to the Core

For Colorado, they are making changes to their forward group with the possibility of their captain Gabriel Landeskog not returning to action and with Chicago retaining 50% of Mikko Rantanen’s salary. Losing Rantanen is a significant blow to the Avs, but the additions of Martin Necas, and Jack Drury provide fresh talent to the team.

Martin Necas (2024-25 season stats so far):

• 55 points (16 goals, 39 assists) in 49 games
• +4 plus/minus
• Strong skater with playmaking ability

Jack Drury (2024-25 season stats so far):

• 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists) in 39 games
• +1 plus/minus
• Known for his high hockey IQ

Even though losing Mikko Rantanen hurts, Necas is a versatile forward that can contribute right away and can slot in the top six forward group.

Chicago Blackhawks: The Rebuilding Phase

The Blackhawks are rebuilding for the future. By retaining 50% of Rantanen’s salary, Chicago gets a 2025 third-round draft pick that helps strengthen their prospect pool. 

This trade also aligns with the Blackhawks’ strategy of building around their young core while creating additional cap space.

They most recently signed AJ Spellacy to a three-year entry-level contract. Although he is too young to play in the AHL this season (he turns 19 in February), he is expected to join the Rockford IceHogs in 2025-26.

Closing Thoughts...

It was clear from the gecko that the Hawks were going to trade Taylor Hall and he wouldn't finish his season as a Blackhawk. However, all is not lost for Chicago. This is a great trade and it gives the Hawks younger players to showcase their talent and skill. It also brings in future assets.

Carolina wants to win a cup so no doubt in mind that they were going to make this blockbuster deal.

Colorado changes up their forward group with the additions of Martin Necas, Jack Drury.