Taylor Hall is ready and excited to go through all the things that come with playing an NHL game.

Taylor Hall is ready to get right back in the swing of things this season after missing the last 72 games of the Chicago Blackhawks' season in 2023-24. He started on the top line beside Connor Bedard and it appears as though that is where he will once again start the season.

It wasn't just playing that Hall missed when he had to recover for most of the season. The veteran said, "I can't wait to play a hockey game. I can't wait to eat a pre-game meal and take a long nap, enjoy the day, and just go through all the things that come with playing an NHL hockey game."

There may have been a worry about the lasting effects on Hall as he has had to deal with multiple injuries throughout his career, but he explained that "Physically I feel good. My knee is as good as it's going to be. It's been close to 10 months now. I have no issues there."

Hall has never been the most physical player as he is considered a skill guy, but that doesn't mean he isn't battling and using his body. On that note, he stated "I just want to get up to game speed and I want to feel some bumps. A bump when you're not expecting it or you're a little off balance, those types of things. I know everything is going to be fine, but I just want to experience those and just really get ready for game one and be ready to fly when the games really matter."

Hall is using the pre-season to get those bumps and get back up to speed as he's missed more time than most before coming back to game action this year.

On whether Hall has the injury in the back of his mind, he said "It's a mental hurdle you get over by playing games...I don't have anything to fear mentally. I'm going to go into it, I'm going to play smart. I'm going to play the way I know how. But there's also going to be a physical element I'm excited to get through."

Hall is going to be a big piece this season as the Blackhawks hope to climb out of the basement. Many are still writing this team off and while I don't believe they are Stanley Cup contender yet by any stretch, they will be better and be around the playoff bubble if most of the players play like they can. Hall playing at a high level and staying healthy is a part of that.

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