Blackhawks Face the Maple Leafs Today Admist Turmoil

Waking up on Thanksgiving morning there was likely quite the checklist of things to prepare for (for) most. I'm not sure "Blackhawks headlines" was on anyone's docet though. That's just what happened as Taylor Hall was announced to be out for the season (ACL surgery after a hit in the Tampa Bay game). The 32 year old former #1 pick was expected to be a big part of the Connor Bedard line, however it appears that Hall will only have skated in 10 matchups this season.

Hall's contract runs through next season, so here is hoping for a healthy recovery and that Taylor comes back and is ready to have a big season for the 24-25 campaign. The second bit of news was equally as alarming as the "healthy scratch" for Corey Perry seems to have deeper roots now.

The team (Kyle Davidson and Luke Richardson) has refused to comment on "why" Perry was scratched only saying that they will keep this "internal" and that they won't "comment any further on that". These quotes are via Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) while giving a transcript of today's press conference.

It seems even Nick Foligno doesn't know the "why" as he has stated he only knows that Perry isn't with the team. Anyway you want to rumorize, this isn't a good sign. Perry is actually the Blackhawks 3rd leading scorer this season. A constant net-front presence, Perry has 9 points in 16 games thus far. His production (along with Hall) will be missed as the 2 combined for 13 points for a team that has only scored 43 goals (just over 2.5gpg).

The Blackhawks go into today's game versus Toronto shorthanded, on a 5 game losing streak, and more than likely a little confused (roster changes, new line combinations). Cole Guttman and Joey Anderson have been recalled from Rockford for today's game. Add in a retro-active IR stint for Andreas Athanasiou and by all accounts today appears to be a matchup that doesn't favor the home team.