CHICAGO — The Blackhawks took the United Center ice Wednesday night in game action for the first time this season, and a couple veteran additions to the roster — including a former first-round draft pick back with the team again — found the back of the net right away.
Center Craig Smith and forward Teuvo Teravainen, both signed in free agency during the offseason to mix in some veteran presence with the Blackhawks’ young roster, each scored a second-period goal in Chicago’s 4-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings in the preseason opener.
Another veteran, center Ryan Donato — signed in free agency last offseason — had an assist. So did Connor Bedard, poised for a big second season after winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in 2023-24.
The Red Wings took a 1-0 lead just 70 seconds into the first period, but the Blackhawks tied it midway through the second when Smith scored off assists from Donato and TJ Brodie.
Just two minutes later, Teravainen put the Blackhawks ahead by finishing on a back-hander off a Bedard setup.
Back with Blackhawks
Teravainen spent his first three NHL seasons with Chicago after the Blackhawks selected him 18th overall in the 2012 Entry Draft.
He was an important part of the team’s postseason run on its way to the Stanley Cup title in 2015, notching four goals and six assists in 18 playoff games. That included two goals in the Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Teravainen was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes during the summer of 2016 and totaled 138 goals and 277 assists in eight seasons with Carolina before being signed to come back to Chicago this offseason.
On Wednesday, he finished off his first goal from a Bedard setup.
“I thought there were good moments for sure,” Bedard told Blackhawks.com on playing with Teravainen. “The both of us were kind of saying we were maybe overthinking a little too much, or being a little slow with their pace. That comes with just getting a couple games under your belt.
“He’s a very good player and fun to play with, so I’m excited to kind of build the chemistry.”
Chicago’s lead didn’t last Wednesday night, however, as the Red Wings rallied with three straight goals to claim the preseason win.
Also for the Blackhawks, 18-year-old AJ Spellacy, a third-round pick (72nd overall) in this year’s Entry Draft, made his team debut Wednesday.
“It was awesome. I was excited to play with him tonight,” Smith told Blackhawks.com of playing with Spellacy. “He’s got great legs. He’s got some good instincts, and I like to see him shoot the puck.
“He has a great shot, too, so it was fun to play with him tonight.”
The Blackhawks and Red Wings play each other again in preseason action Friday night in Detroit. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m.