Why the Blackhawks need Teuvo Teravainen to step up this season

When Teuvo Teravainen signed on for a second stint with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 1, 2024, it was an exciting moment for the team and fan base.

Following his cap-related departure in the 2016 offseason, the Finn established himself as a two-way force in Carolina. In eight years with the Hurricanes, Teravainen posted an impressive 415 points in 555 games, earned Selke trophy votes, and was a meaningful contributor to squads that made playoff runs almost every season.

After years of selling top players and icing rosters of low-end NHL to high-end AHL caliber players, it was refreshing when the Blackhawks inked Teravainen to a three-year deal. He was a real player that could mesh with Connor Bedard and add some pop to an ailing offense. And Teravainen did just that in his first year back in the Windy City, tallying 58 points in 82 games while handling top-six minutes and penalty kill responsibilities.

Last year, however, was a different story as Teravainen posted his lowest full-season point total since 2015-2016, and lost the trust and confidence of coach Jeff Blashill. He just did not seem like his usual, reliable self. Matters were made worse when he sustained an injury in May playing for Finland in the IIHF World Championship.

That downward trend has continued into this season. Teravainen found himself competing for a spot in the lineup all preseason and ultimately was scratched for the season opener against Vegas. With Andrew Mangiapane’s injury, it appears as if “Turbo” will get his first game action in Utah on Thursday night (Oct. 1). This could be the start of a bounce-back campaign for Teravainen as he approaches free agency at the end of the season.

Why both Teravainen and the Blackhawks need him to take advantage of his opportunities this season

Despite the rising salary cap and the astronomical cap hits handed out this summer, how many teams will be willing to shell out big money and term to a 32-year-old Teravainen who appears to be on the decline? The answer: not many.

With teams now seemingly obliged to pay their young stars at least $10 million average annual values on their second contracts, and with most contenders already filled with established stars with bloated salaries, there’s not much room left for the middle class in today’s NHL. If Teravainen continues on his current trajectory, he may not even be able to command his current $5.4 million salary from a new club this summer.

In order to earn another substantial contract, Teravainen needs to produce this season and show other teams that he is worth more than a cheap, one-year “prove-it” deal.

From the Blackhawks’ perspective, they need Teravainen to return to his old self to get them back in the playoff hunt. With a forward group featuring many young, relatively unproven players, and veterans who haven’t historically been elite scorers, the Blackhawks need Teravainen to produce in the 50 to 65 point range like he has for the majority of his career.

Another reason a rebound season from Teravainen benefits the Blackhawks is that it boosts his trade value. With the aforementioned young forwards on the roster, and more such as Sacha Boisvert on the way, it is unlikely the Blackhawks re-sign Teravainen. Instead, they could look to move him at the trade deadline. Even though they may not be selling, the Blackhawks could package him with one of their multiple first-round picks to obtain an impact player.

The Blackhawks and Teravainen both need him to have a better season for differing reasons. It is now up to him to make the most of whatever opportunities he is given.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow