Why Teuvo Teravainen is healthy scratch for Blackhawks' opening game

Chicago Blackhawks forward Teuvo Teravainen will be a healthy scratch for Tuesday's season opener against the Vegas Golden Knights. Head coach Jeff Blashill finalized the decision late Monday, noting that a surplus of NHL-caliber players made the roster choices difficult. However, Blashill confirmed that Teravainen will play at some point during the road trip.

The 32-year-old winger has fallen down the depth chart following a difficult campaign last season where his output dropped to 35 points. Teravainen, who is entering the final year of his three-year contract, acknowledged his recent struggles with confidence and noted that coaches ultimately decide the lineup.