Chicago will get a key offensive performer back tonight against Vancouver, as Kris Versteeg will play for the first time since breaking his hand during the Winter Classic on Jan. 1.
Prior to getting hurt, Versteeg -- who’s missed the last 16 games -- had been producing at a solid clip, with nine goals and 27 points through 34 games. (The .79 points-per-game average was actually the highest of his eight-year career.)
With Versteeg back in the lineup, the Blackhawks were forced to make a difficult decision between Teuvo Teravainen and Joakim Nordstrom for the final available roster spot, and the promising young Finn won out as Nordstrom was sent back to AHL Rockford.
Teravainen will, however, sit as a healthy scratch tonight to facilitate Versteeg’s return.