Blackhawks' Teuvo Teravainen disappointed by lack of playing time for Finland

COLUMBUS, Ohio — As the Blackhawks' lone representative in the 4 Nations Face-off, Teuvo Teravainen didn't get a relaxing, rejuvenating break like all of his teammates.

But Teravainen wasn't exactly taxed much in the international tournament, because Finland's coaching staff — led by head coach Antti Pennanen, who typically coaches in the Finnish pro league — gave him a strangely small role.

"I didn't see the sun [because] it was a snowstorm there every day," Teravainen said Saturday after returning to the Hawks. "But otherwise I didn't really play much, so I feel well-rested."

The Hawks' second-leading scorer received 10:34 of ice time in Finland's first game (a loss against the United States), a mere 6:23 of ice time in their second game (a win over Sweden) and zero seconds — because he was a healthy scratch — in their final game (a loss to Canada).

He tallied zero points, one shot on goal and a minus-two rating as Finland finished last among the four teams.

"I felt pretty good going into the tournament," he said. "I was excited. But I never got a real chance. It's always cool to put the jersey on and play for Finland, but I felt like I could've done more, for sure."

Teravainen's nearly nonexistent role might suggest it's no sure thing he will make Finland's roster for the 2026 Olympics. But based on talent, experience and NHL productivity, he should be a near-lock — even as the Hawks' Olympic focus mainly rests on Connor Bedard and his hopes of making Canada’s roster.

"[The] Olympics has always been a big part of my dreams," Teravainen said. "So I'm going to do everything to make myself good out there."