Blackhawks Future Friday: Teuvo Teravainen

picture courtesy: sbnation.com

• Teuvo Teravainen

2012-13 SM-liiga Stats

Games: 44

Goals: 13

Assists: 18

Points: 31

PIM: 6

Drafted: First round, 18th overall, 2012 NHL Entry Draft

Prospect Profile:

Teuvo Teravainen’s game oozes skill, speed, and talent, and he is the Chicago Blackhawks’ own “Finnish Flash.” If anyone was ever in need of an offensive powerhouse, with a hockey sense second to none in the opposition’s zone. When paired with a skilled center who can get the puck on Teravainen’s stick, he is a force to be reckoned with.

Teravainen’s speed is world-class, and could easily be matched up with some of the best on the Blackhawks today. Using a strong pushoff and accelleration to leave defenders flat-footed, Teravainen can then drive the net, or make a play with good vision and anticipation of his teammates’ (and defenders) next move.

With incredibly soft hands, Teravainen can wiggle his way out of double-coverage, just as Blackhawks fans have seen Patrick Kane do so many times. When set up in the zone, teammates of Teravainen like to set him up for a one-timer, as he has a heavy shot from the circle. Teravainen has the ability to remain calm in key situations, and this leads him to many clutch goals or plays.

Road To The NHL:

Hailing from the capital city of Helsinki, Teravainen has spent his entire hockey career in the country of Finland. In 2010, at the age of 15, Teravainen spent time with Jokerit Helsinki’s U16 and U18 clubs. He scored an incredible 3 points-per-game with the U16 team, with 39 points in only 12 games. He also represented Finland internationally with the nation’s U16 team, where he scored 17 points in 13 contests. The next year, he skated with Jokerit’s U20 team, as a 16 year old. He also appeared in 11 international contests, between Finland’s U18 and U17 teams. One year later, at age 17, Teravainen made his Sm-Liiga debut with the Jokerit men’s team, after playing well at the U20 level. He played in 40 regular season games, as well as nine playoff contests, as Jokerit took the league’s bronze medal after losing in the semi-finals. In 2012-13 he had his best season yet, scoring 31 points in 44 games with Jokerit. He played in the 2013 World Junior Hockey Championships, scoring 11 points in six games as Finland took a seventh-place finish. Teravainen finished fourth in tournament scoring, behind teammates Markus Granlund, Joel Armia, and Canadian Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

Promotion Probability: 1/10

Teuvo Teravainen will be an offensive powerhouse at the NHL level, as long as he continues to develop in the system. Teravainen could see his first action across the pond in 2013-14, with the Rockford IceHogs (Blackhawks’ AHL Affiliate.) He will need to get substantially bigger if he wants to be durable at the professional level, as he is currently 5’11”, 165 lb. He will spend at least two seasons in Rockford before having a chance to crack the Blackhawks roster, but this time will allow him to become accustomed to the North American game, and adapt to the change. With the Blackhawks doing just fine at the NHL level, there is no need to rush his development.

Teravainen will excite Blackhawks fans with his offensive power in the future, and as long as he continues to develop, he has great potential to become one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons.

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