GM Bowman: Teravainen 'a big part of' Blackhawks future
The Blackhawks' roster has changed in dramatic fashion the past few days thanks to the three deals that general manager Stan Bowman pulled off.
One player Bowman did not include in a trade - despite reports that teams were extremely interested - was Teuvo Teravainen.
The 21-year-old Finn hasn't had an overwhelming season by any means, but Bowman said he "is a big part of" the Hawks' future.
The fact that Teravainen can bounce up and down the lineup, playing center or wing, is something Bowman values greatly.
"Sometimes people overlook the fact that more than anybody on our group of forwards, he's bounced around and had to be the most versatile guy," Bowman said. "That's not easy to do for a young guy who's trying to get established in the league. ...
"He plays on the power play, he kills penalties. He's a very important player for us and will continue to be.
"If anything we want to try and find some stability for him as opposed to moving him around."
Teravainen has 10 goals and 15 assists in 59 games this season.
"It feels good," Teravainen said of Bowman's vote of confidence. "This is the team where I want to be and I want to be a part of this team's future.
"It makes me feel more comfortable, but you never know. There's still a couple more days here (laughing)."
The trade deadline is Monday at 2 p.m. Central time.
All done?
If the Hawks don't make another deal by Monday, they will go into the playoffs with Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Niklas Hjalmarsson as their top three defensemen. At practice Saturday, Erik Gustafsson was paired up with Seabrook, while Trevor van Riemsdyk and Michal Rozsival were in the final pairing.
Christian Ehrhoff (acquired Friday from the Kings) and Viktor Svedberg (assigned to Rockford on Saturday) could contribute as well.
So is Stan Bowman done dealing?
"We'll look at what's out there," he said. "I'm sure there will be more discussions, but I really like the way this team looks right now, and we're excited to get on the ice and play."
Slight delay:
GM Stan Bowman said that Dale Weise, whom the Hawks acquired Friday from Montreal, won't be able to join the team until he acquires a green card. Bowman was hopeful that would happen in under a week.
Slapshots:
Coach Joel Quenneville said he expects Marian Hossa to start skating Monday. Hossa won't play Wednesday or Thursday on the team's mini road trip, but he could be ready for Detroit next Sunday at the United Center. … Quenneville said Christian Ehrhoff won't play Sunday but is likely to get in either Wednesday in Detroit or Thursday in Boston. ... Arizona claimed Jiri Sekac. The Hawks put Sekac on waivers Saturday.
He said it:
"I think we got bigger. I think we got a little more sandpaper in that regard."
Joel Quenneville on trading for Montreal's Dale Weise and Tomas Fleischmann.
Scouting report
Blackhawks (38-20-5) vs. Washington Capitals (45-11-4) at United Center, 11:30 a.m. Sunday
TV: NBC
Radio: WGN 720-AM
The skinny: The fans could be in for quite a show with Patrick Kane (league-leading 84 points) and the Hawks facing Alex Ovechkin (league-leading 40 goals) and the best-in-the-NHL Capitals. Ovechkin is one of seven players in NHL history to record 40 or more goals in eight of his first 11 seasons. Kane has a point in all but 11 games this season. ... The Capitals have allowed the first goal in seven straight games. The Hawks are 34-5-3 when scoring first. ... Washington won 4-1 when these teams met on Oct. 16. Viktor Svedberg scored the Hawks' only goal. ... Corey Crawford starts in net for the Hawks.
Next: Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena, 7 p.m. Wednesday
- John Dietz