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Teuvo Teravainen spoke with the media Tuesday wearing the Chicago Blackhawks hat he got while playing for them from 2013-16.

With a smile, the forward stated, “I stumbled upon the old hat in a forgotten corner and decided to give it a try.”

Teravainen, who inked a $16.2 million deal with Chicago on July 1, will find familiarity in the hat, the city of Chicago, and some Blackhawks staff. However, the team he is rejoining is vastly different from the Stanley Cup-winning one in 2015. Nevertheless, he embraces the challenge and is content to be back in familiar surroundings.

He exclaimed, “I’m thrilled to be back! I had a feeling they were somewhat interested, and when I found out they were, I became very interested myself. I had a few choices, but I believe it’s the perfect moment for me. I’m so excited. I’m familiar with the city and have fond memories there, so it was an effortless decision.”

Teravainen has 459 points (155 goals, 304 assists) in 670 NHL games with the Blackhawks and Carolina Hurricanes, who acquired him and forward Bryan Bickell in a trade with Chicago on June 15, 2016. He had 53 points (25 goals, 28 assists) in 2023-24, his eighth and final season with the Hurricanes.

The 29-year-old was one of several veterans the Blackhawks signed July 1, including forwards Tyler Bertuzzi, Pat Maroon and Craig Smith, defensemen Alec Martinez and TJ Brodie and goalie Laurent Brossoit.

Teravainen is expected to play in Chicago’s top-six forward group and could get some playing time on the top line with center Connor Bedard, last season’s Calder Trophy winner as NHL rookie of the year. Bedard, who turns 19 on July 17, led the Blackhawks with 61 points (22 goals, 39 assists) in 68 games.

Teravainen expressed, “Although I haven’t witnessed him play extensively, I have certainly watched all the notable moments. It appears that he is a fairly talented player. He is certainly young, yet I am optimistic that I can assist him in improving his skills. It would be fantastic to have the opportunity to play alongside him.”

Last season, the Chicago team (23-53-6) ranked eighth in the Central Division and failed to secure a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.

Teravainen’s recent shift signifies a significant change, given that he had been part of the Hurricanes’ playoff journey for the previous six seasons.

Teravainen expressed his desire to quickly turn things around in Chicago, stating that winning is undeniably more enjoyable than losing. He expressed hope that they can achieve this goal as soon as possible.

Not only is Teravainen’s return a significant moment for himself, but it also holds great significance for Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson. Back in 2012, when Chicago chose Teravainen as the No. 18 pick in the NHL Draft, Davidson, who was then working as a coordinator in the Blackhawks hockey operations department, personally welcomed Teravainen at the airport upon his arrival in Chicago.

Davidson mentioned on Friday that when he initially arrived, we dined together a few times. As he was unfamiliar with everyone, I took it upon myself to familiarize him with the surroundings during his early days in his career, right after his arrival from Finland.

It’s quite surreal to think about how things have come full circle. I vividly remember picking up this guy at O’Hare when he was just 19 years old, arriving to play for the Blackhawks for the first time. I used to drive him back to his hotel after games and now, here I am, signing him to a new contract and welcoming him back as a seasoned veteran player. It’s definitely a strange but fulfilling experience.

Since Teravainen’s last stint with the Blackhawks, significant changes have taken place. With firsthand experience of playing successful hockey in Chicago, he is eager to contribute towards the team’s resurgence and bring back the winning spirit.

“I believe it was a while ago, when I was a completely different player,” he stated. “The essence of the game lies in constantly progressing and striving to improve every year.”

After spending a considerable amount of time in Carolina, I had the opportunity to learn and adapt to their unique playing style. Those years have been truly remarkable. As I approach my 30th birthday on September 11th, I recognize the importance of growing both in age and as a player. My aim is to bring a diverse skill set to the game, combining my gained experience with an all-around performance.