Teuvo Teravainen was on the ice for the Blackhawks' morning skate today, and that's welcome news for a team that badly needs help.
He's been listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Skating with the group doesn't guarantee he plays tonight, but it's a step in the right direction.
The timing is interesting. Chicago hosts Carolina tonight, the team Teravainen spent eight seasons with before coming back to the Blackhawks.
A game against his old club would carry a little extra meaning. Plenty of familiar faces will be on the other bench.
The Blackhawks need the help. They're 1-4-0 after a 4-1 loss to the Islanders on Thursday, and the offence has struggled to find any rhythm.
The 32-year-old has two assists in three games and carries a $5,400,000 cap hit. He brings a veteran playmaking touch Chicago doesn't have much of.
Jeff Blashill's Blackhawks hope for a lift against the Hurricanes
Connor Bedard just started his first season as captain, and the team around him has been thin. Getting a skilled veteran back would ease the load.
Jeff Blashill has already been juggling the blue line after a 6-0 loss in Utah. Getting Teravainen back up front would give him one less problem to solve.
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If he's cleared, Chicago should play him tonight. A 1-4-0 team needs every ounce of skill it can find, and few players know Carolina's system better.
Getting him back would be like recovering the GPS halfway through a road trip. You were getting there, just a lot slower.
He's produced at a high level before. In 2018-19, he put up 76 points for Carolina, a reminder of what he can bring when healthy.
Morning skate is just the first step. Whether Teravainen gets into the lineup tonight will tell Blackhawks fans how close he really is.
Should the Blackhawks play Teuvo Teravainen against the Hurricanes tonight?
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