Blackhawks News: Kris Versteeg Returns, Teuvo Remains
By Rob Winn in News on Feb 11, 2015 5:30PM
Teuvo Teravainen
Kris Versteeg returns Wednesday from the hand injury he suffered in the Winter Classic against the Capitals. His return brought a tough choice for general manager Stan Bowman and the coaching staff: send down prized prospect Teuvo Teravainen, part ways with Dan Carcillo or assign Joakim Nordstrom to the Rockford Icehogs? The Hawks brass choose the latter and will keep Teravainen in Chicago.
After a disappointing 2013-24 season, Versteeg was playing well before the injury, racking up 27 points in 34 games. His presence was missed by the Hawks, who have been inconsistent to start 2015.
The decision to send Nordstrom down came as somewhat of a surprise to those who follow the team. Since Teravainen arrived last season, the Hawks have valued playing time over NHL experience for the young center.
Where Teravainen fits in the current lineup will be interesting. Will the coaching staff move him back to his natural center position or keep him as a winger, where he has been playing for the past few weeks? Andrew Shaw seems entrenched in the third-line center role, as has Marcus Kruger on the fourth line. And fourth line wing seems to be a poor fit for Teravainen, who is a highly skilled passer but is still finding his defensive footing in the NHL.
Either way, the decision brings a sigh of relief for fans who have seen the organization prefer known mediocrity from veterans as opposed to unknown potential from prospects. This is especially true when it comes to Dan Carcillo, who has been suspended 12 times throughout his career and contributes little besides pestering opposing teams and fans alike. Carcillo is a favorite of the coaching staff, who at times, seem stuck in the past, valuing nasty players who contribute little offensively. If Teravainen can earn the trust of the coaching staff and log regular playing time, his talent will greatly benefit a team that is already one of the most skilled in the NHL.