Hall surprised at healthy scratch: 'It was unexpected'

Chicago Blackhawks veteran Taylor Hall isn't certain about what he did to earn a healthy scratch in Saturday's game versus the Vancouver Canucks.

"I was surprised. It was unexpected from the standpoint of I just didn't know I was even close to being in that spot, really," Hall said, per CHGO Blackhawks. "If there were some conversations in the days leading up about my game, or if I was constantly being shown video, that would be one thing. So I was a bit surprised."

Hall and head coach Luke Richardson have since cleared the air on the lack of communication. The bench boss admitted he could've handled the decision better.

"That could be part of my problem, too. Sometimes you give veterans a little bit more of a grace period," Richardson said. "For me to communicate with him, I need to get to know the player more, to see how they like to handle that. We talked lots during and after, but maybe it needs to be more before (the scratch)."

Hall has managed six points in 17 games this season. The 2018 Hart Trophy winner is in his second campaign with the Blackhawks but was limited to only 10 contests last year due to ACL surgery.

The 33-year-old is the Blackhawks' highest-paid forward at $6 million per season. Hall is in the final year of his contract before hitting unrestricted free agency next summer.