It has been announced that Chicago Blackhawks forwards Teuvo Teravainen and Bryan Bickell has been traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a second round pick in 2016 and a third round pick in 2017.
Bickell, 29, had just two assists in 25 NHL games last season. He spent the majority of the campaign in the American Hockey League and put up 31 points in 47 games. He is headed into the final year of a four year, $16 million deal. The Blackhawks have been trying to move this contract for quite some time.
“I would like to thank both Bryan and Teuvo for their contributions to the Blackhawks organization,” said Stan Bowman. “Both players were drafted by our organization and developed to play important roles on Stanley Cup championship teams.”
Teravainen’s Potential
Teravainen, 21, had 13 goals and 35 points in his first full season as a contributor in Chicago’s top 9. He is considered to be an up and coming young talent with a high ceiling. While the Blackhawks have cleared much needed cap space in the move, the cost was extremely high.
Ben Kerr says the following about Teravainen:
“He has incredible hockey sense and vision, and is an extremely creative playmaker. Teravainen will attempt passes that most forwards don’t even dream about. He will feather pucks through sticks and legs and put them on the tape of teammates. He shows incredible vision and passing skills in making these dynamic plays. Teravainen prefers to control the play in the offensive zone often working as a setup man working off the half boards. He has very good hands, and excellent stickhandling leading to a strong puck protection game despite his size.
Teravainen also possesses a very hard and accurate one-timer and often unleashes it from the top of the circle. He is especially effective on the Power Play. He has shown that he is willing to take a hit to make a play, despite the fact he is often facing larger opponents. He could use increased upper body strength however, in order to help him win more battles along the boards.
Over the last two years, Teravainen has really worked to improve his skating. He has always had good top-end speed, but he’s made great strides in improving his first step, his acceleration and his agility. He’s surprisingly strong in his lower body, giving him good balance and allowing him to fight through checks, and to remain strong on the puck.”
Bryan Bickell Traded
Bickell has played 382 National Hockey League contests, accumulating 65 goals and 135 points over seven seasons. After a 2012-13 post-season that saw him score nine goals and 17 points in 23 games, Bickell signed four year contract worth $16 million. Since then, he has underwhelmed, with his 10 points in 19 2013-14 playoff games standing out as the only moment of respectability. He has failed to generate anything in the regular season, with point totals of 15, 28, and 2 in the three years since signing his extension. Bickell was selected in the 2nd round (41st overall) of the 2004 NHL entry draft.
Bickell brings playoff experience and size to the table for his new team. Touted as a power forward, he rarely uses this gift effectively. Given the opportunity, could be a relatively effective bottom-six contributor. Despite the inconsistency, Bickell has shown an ability to step up in the playoffs. His new club will be banking on a repeat on some of his previous performances.
The move creates significant cap space for the Blackhawks. He will earn $4.5 million next year, but carries a $4 million cap hit.
Main Photo Credit:
Main Photo Caption: NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 10: Bryan Bickell #29 of the Chicago Blackhawks in action during a NHL game against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on December 10, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/NHL/Getty Images)
