In the weeks leading up to his trade to Carolina, Taylor Hall repeatedly said he wanted to stay in Chicago, that he wanted to be a part of what the Blackhawks were building, that he wanted to settle down in one city in the twilight of his peripatetic career.

Hall broke down the timeline of the blockbuster trade from his perspective Thursday. He claimed he's "definitely a better player than the amount I was playing" during his final weeks in Chicago.

When the Chicago Blackhawks last played the Carolina Hurricanes, Taylor Hall suited up for them. He will be on the other bench tonight after being traded to Carolina last Friday. The trade came just a few days after the former Hart Trophy winner lamented staying on with the Blackhawks beyond this season.