Teravainen's return could mean reassignment for Lardis

The Chicago Blackhawks had a rare practice this morning, as the compressed NHL schedule heading into the Olympic break has left very little time to skate. Most late January practices are routine and don’t require close attention. However, with some shake-up to the line combinations, a possible return from injury, and a struggling power play, there was a lot to observe at the Blackhawks Ice Center this morning.

Teuvo Teravainen Set to Return

Veteran forward Teuvo Teravainen has missed the last seven games with an upper-body injury, but he says he’s ready to go for tomorrow night’s game against the Minnesota Wild. He traded in his gray non-contact jersey for a red one and jumped right onto the top line with Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar. Both Teravainen and head coach Jeff Blashill were confident that he would return to game action in St. Paul.

That line combination is dynamic. You have Teravainen’s vision, passing ability, and defensive responsibility to go along with the two young and exciting forwards.

“I played with Turbo for 10 games last year and then never did again, so looking forward to that,” Bedard said. “I played with Frank a little bit last year, so I’m looking forward to that line. But I’ve played with great players all year, so it’s just kind of adapting to whoever I’m with.”

Blashill is still looking to put guys in positions to succeed. Part of his decision to put this trio together was to get Oliver Moore at center, where he has had more success.

“Frankie and Bedsy haven’t played a lot together,” he said. "Teuvo is a really good complement to them because he’s really smart. He can put pucks into spaces for them, but also is really good defensively.”

Andre Burakovsky Moved Down

After last night's game, I pondered when Andre Burakovsky would be moved off the top line and first power-play unit. His recent struggles with puck possession and creating chances have been a liability at times. I got my answer when he took to the ice wearing a white jersey, usually reserved for the bottom six. He took rushes on the third line with Ryan Greene and Moore, and was also moved to the second power-play unit now that Teravainen is back.

“First of all, Burky cares a ton,” Blashill said. “He wants to be great. He’s one of those guys who, when things are going great, can overtry. And honestly, then it goes worse. There are two things we’ll chat with him about. One, he’s always going to be a guy who wants to make a play, and just balance when to make a play and when to live another day. You can’t be a guy who makes plays and never makes a mistake, but you’ve got to have that balance. And two, making sure that he’s not trying to get going so fast that he’s not putting pucks in the right spot.”

Nick Lardis Reassignment Coming?

Nick Lardis looked to be the odd man out today. He rotated in and out of the first line with Teravainen and did not participate in any of the power-play drills. Then, when asked about his performance, while Blashill was positive, he spoke in the past tense.

“He’s done a good job,” he said. “He came in, and early on, he was trying to find his way a little bit, but I thought he got a little more confident. He’s done a good job of making a first impression on the coaching staff and where he’s at.”

If he is reassigned to the IceHogs this afternoon, it’s not a terrible move. This was a good first taste for him, and now he can go back and apply what he learned to continue developing. He will get a chance to play in the AHL All-Star Classic, while playing big minutes and being the focal point of the IceHogs’ offense. I’d imagine they will keep him down there through the trade deadline so he’s eligible for the Calder Cup Playoffs, then bring him back for the final six weeks of the NHL season.