The Chicago Blackhawks acquired Taylor Hall from the Boston Bruins last season to give Connor Bedard a veteran mentor for his rookie season.

Unfortunately, a season-ending injury limited the former Edmonton Oilers first overall pick and Hart Trophy winner to only 10 games. The Chicago Blackhawks are now reportedly expecting Taylor Hall back for training camp, and hopefully to be healthy for a full season with rookie sensation Connor Bedard.

Equipped with new signings Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen, TJ Brodie, Pat Maroon, three-time Stanley Cup champion Alec Martinez, and Laurent Broissoit, Taylor Hall will be joining a team with a much more established identity and far more talent.

Having recovered from his ACL injury, Taylor Hall addressed media today, where he strongly showed that he still believes he can be an impact player:

«I’m really confident I’ll be a solid contributor for the Blackhawks this year. What makes me say that is the hockey I’ve played and the preparation I’ve done this summer. When I get on the ice with some really good NHL players here in Ontario, I know I can be a difference-maker for our team.

As you get older, you do get better at preparing, and you know your body better. I feel like that year off allowed me to be more mentally fresh, and hopefully I can use that this coming season. Not a lot of players get three-quarters of a year off after playing 14 seasons, so I intend to come back hungry.»

Taylor Hall believes that he could even come back better thanks to the first long-term time off of his near 15-year career since being selected first overall. While that is doubtful, the Chicago Blackhawks look better than they have in a few seasons, and armed with potential superstar Connor Bedard, the possibilities are endless.