Bruins deals former Hart Trophy winner Hall to Blackhawks in trade agreement

                                            Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

 Hall, along with the rights to pending unrestricted free agent Nick Foligno, was sent to the Blackhawks. In return, the Bruins received the rights to defensemen Ian Mitchell and Alec Regula, who are pending restricted free agents.

The trade benefits the Blackhawks by adding a top-line winger like Hall, who can potentially be paired with Connor Bedard, the expected №1 pick in the upcoming NHL draft. Acquiring Foligno also provides the Blackhawks with an opportunity to sign the experienced winger before the start of free agency.

For the Bruins, parting ways with Hall creates much-needed cap space. With several unrestricted and restricted free agents, including captain Patrice Bergeron, the Bruins were facing limited cap flexibility. However, by clearing Hall’s contract and trading Foligno’s rights, the Bruins now have approximately $11 million in available cap space.

The Blackhawks entered the week with significant cap room, allowing them to make the move for Hall in anticipation of a busy period involving both the draft and free agency. With a weaker free agent market expected, many teams are focusing on trades to bolster their rosters. Adding Hall, who had a solid season with 16 goals and 36 points in 61 games, not only provides Bedard with an experienced linemate but also someone who understands the pressure of being a top draft pick.

Hall, a seven-time 20-goal scorer and former Hart Trophy winner, had previously played for the New Jersey Devils, Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, and the Bruins. He contributed 111 points in 158 regular-season games with the Bruins and added 17 points in 25 playoff games.

While Hall proved to be a productive forward for the Bruins, the team was expected to make moves to address their cap situation, potentially resulting in his departure. On the other hand, Foligno, who scored 10 goals and 26 points, had a solid season and could be a valuable asset for the Blackhawks on the power play and penalty kill.

With the newfound cap space, the Bruins can now focus on addressing their needs and making contract decisions for pending unrestricted free agents like Tyler Bertuzzi, David Krejci, and Dmitry Orlov. Additionally, the acquisition of Mitchell and Regula adds to the Bruins’ group of pending restricted free agents, including Trent Frederic and Jeremy Swayman, who have made significant contributions as young players on the team.

Both Mitchell and Regula have the potential to make an impact. Mitchell, a 24-year-old defenseman who played under Boston’s Jim Montgomery at the University of Denver, has shown promise in his AHL and NHL appearances. Regula, a 22-year-old defenseman, has demonstrated his abilities with impressive performances in the AHL and a short stint with the Blackhawks.

Overall, the trade between the Bruins and the Blackhawks sets the stage for both teams to address their respective needs and strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season.