Teuvo Teravainen's heartfelt return to Blackhawks sparks fan excitement
Photo credit: Canes Country
Teuvo Teravainen returns to Chicago Blackhawks in high spirits.
A welcome reunion: Teuvo Teravainen rejoins the Blackhawks.
Teuvo Teravainen's recent signing marks a significant return to the Chicago Blackhawks, the team where he began his NHL career and achieved his first major success, including a Stanley Cup victory.
The Finnish forward inked a three-year deal, valued at $5.4 million AAV, signaling his return to a familiar environment, adorned in the very Blackhawks cap he kept from his initial stint.
« I found the old hat laying around in some corner, Figured to put it on, » Teravainen shared during a media Zoom call, hinting at his sentimental connection to the team.
Originally drafted 18th overall by the Blackhawks in 2012, Teravainen's journey came full circle after spending eight seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes.
His time away saw him evolve from a third-line winger and penalty killer into a prominent goal scorer, boasting 25 goals last season.
« I was a different player back then. The whole kind of game, taking a step by step, better every year. A long time in Carolina so I learned to play how they play over there, so it's been great years over there. I'm almost 30 right now so I should be a little bit older and a better player. Hopefully I can bring a little of everything, experience and all-around play, » reflected Teravainen.
Excitement buzzed at the prospect of Teravainen lining up with Connor Bedard, the young sensation making waves in the NHL.
« Yeah, of course, Teravainen expressed when asked about playing with Bedard. I haven't seen him play much live but of course I've seen all the highlights. He seems like a pretty good player. Young for sure, but hopefully I can help him get better. But that would be, of course, cool to play with him. »
The Blackhawks' locker room has transformed since Teravainen's departure, with many former teammates moved on, except for Kyle Davidson, now the team's general manager.
« I don't even know if he remembers me or knows that that guy that picked him up is the same person that signed him now, »
Davidson noted, recalling how he had been one of Teravainen's initial contacts in Chicago.
Yet, Teravainen remembers Davidson distinctly, recalling his early days arriving at O'Hare Airport.
« I do remember that, Teravainen acknowledged. It's kind of a funny story right now, he's the GM and not the driver anymore. It was a long time ago, but I remember hanging out with him a little bit and he was driving me around and helping with the small things.
I was a young player and I didn't really know anything about anything, I just came from Europe, so it was awesome to have some people help me out. He seemed like a good guy back then so it's not a big surprise where he is right now. »
I was a young player and I didn't really know anything about anything, I just came from Europe, so it was awesome to have some people help me out. He seemed like a good guy back then so it's not a big surprise where he is right now. »
Driven by fond memories and a strong desire to contribute to the team's success, Teravainen is focused on lifting the Blackhawks back into playoff contention.
« I have good memories from there, he said. I don't know, I just felt it was a good path for me right now. I can join a young team, hopefully I can help them get back to the playoffs, get back to where the good teams are. I feel like that's a really nice, exciting chance for me to be a part of something like that.
Of course, winning is more fun than losing so I want to do it right away, but hopefully we can get there as soon as we can. Let's get to work in Chicago so hopefully we can get there. »
Of course, winning is more fun than losing so I want to do it right away, but hopefully we can get there as soon as we can. Let's get to work in Chicago so hopefully we can get there. »
As Teravainen steps back into the Blackhawks' fold, his enthusiasm and evolved skills could be just what the team needs to spark a resurgence, blending experience with the fresh energy of new talents like Bedard.
Source: NBC Sports Chicago
Teuvo Teravainen hopes to guide Blackhawks back to contention: �Let's get to work'
Teuvo Teravainen hopes to guide Blackhawks back to contention: �Let's get to work'
| POLL | ||
20 JUILLET | 65 ANSWERS Teuvo Teravainen's heartfelt return to Blackhawks sparks fan excitement Will Teuvo Teraveinen be a winning piece for the Blackhawks? | ||
| Yes | 51 | 78.5 % |
| No | 14 | 21.5 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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