Teuvo Teräväinen is poised to play a significant role for the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2025-26 season, bringing a blend of veteran leadership and offensive skill to a team focused on developing its young core. Drafted by the Blackhawks in 2012, Teräväinen returned to Chicago in 2024 after eight seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes. His three-year contract, with an average annual value of $5.4 million, reflects the Blackhawks' belief in his ability to contribute in a top-six role.
Teräväinen's Role and Expectations
As a seasoned player, Teräväinen is expected to guide the Blackhawks' promising young talents, including Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar and Oliver Moore. His experience and playmaking abilities make him a valuable asset in supporting their development. Teräväinen's poise and hockey sense have been praised, with linemate Jason Dickinson noting his calming presence on the ice. Interim coach Anders Sorensen has also highlighted Teräväinen's ability to handle pressure and control the puck, setting a good example for younger players.
While Teräväinen's offensive production is important, his leadership and mentorship may be equally crucial for a Blackhawks team in the midst of a rebuild. He is one of the "originals" on the roster, having won a Stanley Cup with the team in 2015. General Manager Kyle Davidson emphasized Teräväinen's leadership qualities upon signing him, expressing excitement about his return to the Blackhawks' locker room.
2024-25 Season Performance
In the 2024-25 season, Teräväinen ranked second on the Blackhawks in assists (43) and power-play points (24). He played in all 82 games, recording 15 goals and 43 assists for a total of 58 points. His performance demonstrates his consistent offensive capabilities and his importance to the Blackhawks' power play.
Fantasy Hockey Outlook
For fantasy hockey enthusiasts, NHL.com projects Teräväinen to score 60 points in the 2025-26 season. This projection reflects his consistent production over the years, with at least 40 assists in five of his past eight seasons and at least 50 points in six of those seasons. Given his role on the Blackhawks' power play, he is expected to continue contributing in that area as well.
Potential Line Combinations
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, various projections suggest potential line combinations for the Blackhawks. One possibility is that Teräväinen could play on a line with Frank Nazar and Ilya Mikheyev. Another projection places him on a line with Lukas Reichel and Jason Dickinson. Regardless of the specific line combinations, Teräväinen is expected to play a significant role in the Blackhawks' top-six forwards.
Areas for Potential Improvement
While Teräväinen had a solid 2024-25 season, there is always room for improvement. One area to watch is his shooting percentage, which was at a career-high 17.6% in 2023-24 but is likely to regress. Additionally, after scoring 31 power-play points in 2021-22, his power-play production has decreased in recent seasons. Increased power-play time and a consistent role could help him regain his previous levels of production.
Overall Assessment
Teuvo Teräväinen is a valuable asset for the Chicago Blackhawks. His veteran presence, playmaking skills, and offensive capabilities make him an important player in their rebuilding process. As he enters the 2025-26 season, he is expected to continue playing a key role in the Blackhawks' top six, mentoring young players, and contributing on the power play.
