The New York Islanders should keep an eye on Chicago Blackhawks forward Taylor Hall. Hall is a former Hart Trophy winner with the New Jersey Devils. However, Hall has fallen out of favor in the Windy City lately due to his underperformance.

Hall scored two goals and six points in 17 games this season. He has been held off the scoresheet in his last four appearances and last recorded two assists on November 3 against the Anaheim Ducks. A former first overall pick of the Edmonton Oilers in 2020, Hall has been a bit of a journeyman as he hasn’t quite been able to replicate his 2017-18 success.

But that doesn’t mean Hall isn’t a solid player at this point in his career. Hall is no longer an elite winger. But he’s a solid middle-six option who could boost the New York Islanders’ depth rating. At 33, Hall is still young enough that he can be productive for a few more seasons while adding leadership and tenacity to the Isles’ lineup.

Speculation flared a few nights ago when the Blackhawks surprisingly scored Hall for the club’s game against the Vancouver Canucks. Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson publicly dismissed any speculation that Hall was in the doghouse.

But that doesn’t mean Hall will remain part of the Blackhawks’ long-term plans. For the right price, Taylor Hall could be an interesting addition to the Islanders’ lineup, fitting nicely on the third line with Casey Cizikas at center.

The price to get Taylor Hall

According to PuckPedia, Hall is in the final year of a four-year, $24 million deal with the Boston Bruins. The Bruins moved Hall to the Blackhawks last season. Hall’s $6 million cap hit could be a letdown for the Isles. However, salary retention by Chicago, especially for one season, could make the deal work.

Perhaps moving Pierre Engvall’s cap to Chicago could make the deal work. Of course, it’s worth noting that Hall will be a UFA this summer. So the Islanders can’t afford to overpay for Hall. A late pick or a low-tier prospect could be enough to pry Hall away from Chicago.

Ultimately, Taylor Hall could be a good addition for the New York Islanders. When the Isles are fully healthy, Hall could be a solid depth scoring option. Patrick Roy, meanwhile, could experiment with Hall in the top six. That situation could give Roy more flexibility in the future.

As long as the Isles don’t overpay, Hall could be worth keeping an eye on.