Hawks recall Teravainen from IceHogs

Though many were a bit surprised when the Blackhawks recalled forward Teuvo Teravainen from Rockford on Friday evening, IceHogs coach Ted Dent wasn't one of them.

After all, Dent has witnessed first-hand lately the blossoming of the Hawks' first-round draft pick in 2012 - which has included the 20-year-old's first career 3-point outing Sunday against the Chicago Wolves and the fact that Teravainen recorded 10 points in his last 13 games.

"He's got more of a comfort level with his whole game," Dent said shortly after the transaction was announced. "He's playing with more confidence. He's handling the puck more, he's involved in special teams and you can see his confidence is growing."

Teravainen ranks second on the IceHogs with 23 points (6 goals, 17 assists) and 92 shots on goal in 33 games this year.

"If Chicago is looking to replace a top-6 or top-9 forward with a player with skill, that's what they're getting in Teuvo," Dent said.

That seems to be exactly the case after Kris Versteeg injured his hand in the 3-2 loss to the Washington Capitals in the Winter Classic on Thursday, Afterward, Hawks coach Joel Quenneville admitted the veteran forward could be out for "a bit."

Teravainen took 4 shots in three regular-season games with the Blackhawks last year; he made his NHL debut on March 25, 2014, against the Dallas Stars.

He will make his return against those same Stars on Sunday at the United Center.

"Anytime a player gets called up, you're excited for him," Dent said.