4 Blackhawks on Thin Ice Heading Into December

As November's end nears, it's become increasingly clear that the Chicago Blackhawks' rebuild is far from over. Growing pains have led to the Blackhawks playing to a 7-12-2 record through their first 21 games and the 16 points they accumulated during that stretch are tied with the Montreal Canadiens for the fewest in the NHL.

Unless something changes, the franchise will likely miss the postseason for the fifth year in a row. While certain Chicago players will have the opportunity to help end the curse next season, others might not be around to witness the playoff return if they don't quickly improve their play.

With that in mind, here are four Blackhawks who are heading into December on the thinnest of ice.

1. Taylor Hall, LW

Knowing that their young core needed an additional veteran influence, the Blackhawks acquired Taylor Hall (and Nick Foligno) from the Boston Bruins in exchange for two players ahead of the 2022-23 season. Unfortunately, Hall's first campaign in Chicago only lasted 10 games as he was sidelined for the remainder of the year with a knee injury.

With his injury in the rearview, the Blackhawks expected the former Hart Memorial Trophy winner to bounce back in 2024-25. Unfortunately, there's been more than bad in Year 2 as Hall has only mustered up two goals and four assists in his first 20 outings. If he continues to play at a 0.3 point-per-game rate, he's on track to finish with the lowest point total (25) out of any full-length season he's played.

Hall's skating isn't as sharp as it used to be nor is his accuracy, proven by his career-worst 4.8% shooting percentage. Even though all players eventually decline, the 33-year-old's drop-off is somewhat surprising given that he had just scored 36 goals in 142 games in the two last seasons before he moved to the Windy City.

If Hall's play doesn't improve, the Blackhawks could look to move him at the trade deadline rather than letting him walk away for nothing in free agency.