The Chicago Blackhawks hit the ice for a rare midseason practice this morning, and for once, it wasn’t just about getting in some light skating. With the Olympic break looming and the schedule tightening, the team used the opportunity to shake up their lines, address a sputtering power play, and welcome back a key veteran.
Teuvo Teravainen Ready to Return
The biggest news out of Blackhawks Ice Center? Teuvo Teravainen looks ready to go.
After missing the last seven games with an upper-body injury, the veteran forward shed his non-contact jersey and slotted right back into a top-line role alongside Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar. That trio brings an intriguing mix of skill, hockey IQ, and youthful energy - and the coaching staff is clearly hoping it sparks something offensively.
“I played with Turbo for 10 games last year and then never did again, so looking forward to that,” Bedard said after practice. “I played with Frank a little bit last year, so I’m looking forward to that line. But I’ve played with great players all year, so it’s just kind of adapting to whoever I’m with.”
Head coach Jeff Blashill echoed that optimism. The move isn’t just about reuniting Bedard with a familiar face - it’s also about finding the right balance.
Teravainen brings a steadying presence to a line that features two dynamic, attack-minded young forwards. His ability to read the game and make smart, subtle plays could be the glue that holds this unit together.
“Teuvo is a really good complement to them because he’s really smart,” Blashill said. “He can put pucks into spaces for them, but also is really good defensively.”
This also allows Blashill to shift Oliver Moore back to center - a position where he’s looked more comfortable and effective - giving the lineup a more natural structure heading into a tough matchup in Minnesota.
Burakovsky Bumped Down
Not all the lineup news was as positive.
Andre Burakovsky has been battling through a rough stretch, and today’s practice made it clear the coaching staff is looking for more. The veteran winger was skating in a white jersey - a sign he’s been moved to the bottom six - and took rushes on the third line with Ryan Greene and Oliver Moore. He’s also been bumped to the second power-play unit, with Teravainen reclaiming a spot on the top group.
“First of all, Burky cares a ton,” Blashill said. “He wants to be great.
He’s one of those guys who, when things are going great, can overtry. And honestly, then it goes worse.”
Blashill pointed to two key areas for Burakovsky to focus on: decision-making and tempo. It’s not about taking the creativity out of his game - it’s about finding the right balance between making a play and playing it safe.
“You can’t be a guy who makes plays and never makes a mistake, but you’ve got to have that balance,” Blashill said. “And two, making sure that he’s not trying to get going so fast that he’s not putting pucks in the right spot.”
It’s a classic case of a player needing to simplify and reset. The talent is there - the coaching staff just wants to see it channeled more effectively.
Lardis the Odd Man Out?
One name conspicuously absent from power-play drills was Nick Lardis. The young forward rotated in and out of the top line during practice, but didn’t get any special teams reps - a potential sign that his time with the big club could be nearing a pause.
Blashill’s comments about Lardis were positive, but notably reflective.
“He’s done a good job,” Blashill said. “He came in, and early on, he was trying to find his way a little bit, but I thought he got a little more confident. He’s done a good job of making a first impression on the coaching staff and where he’s at.”
If Lardis is reassigned to Rockford, it wouldn’t be a setback - it would be a strategic move. He’s had a solid first taste of NHL action, and now he can take that experience back to the AHL, where he’ll get big minutes and a starring role with the IceHogs. He’s also set to play in the AHL All-Star Classic, which will only help his development.
The Blackhawks would likely keep him in Rockford through the trade deadline to ensure Calder Cup Playoff eligibility, then bring him back up for the final stretch of the NHL season. It’s all part of the process for a promising young forward who’s shown he belongs in the conversation.
With Teravainen’s return, a reworked top line, and some strategic lineup adjustments, the Blackhawks are clearly using this rare practice day to recalibrate. The Olympic break is coming fast, and Chicago is looking to hit that pause with some momentum. Tomorrow night in Minnesota will be a good test of whether these changes start paying off immediately.