"I'm very excited," he said. "It's a big honor."

The Finnish winger was the second rated European skater, according to the Central Scouting Rankings. He's not big (5-11, 165 pounds), but has plenty of offensive skills. He's said to have great vision, but tends to stay on the outside.

When asked about himself, Teravainen, 17, made sure to point out his offensive skills. He had 11 goals and 18 points in 40 games last year for Jokerit in Helsinki. His stock really rose after he recorded six goals and two assists in three games at the 2012 Under-18 Five Nations Cup.

"I'm an offensive forward," he said. "I like to play the puck. I think I'm a good skater and have good hockey sense."

Teravainen is listed as a left wing, but prefers to play center. He said he plans to return to Finland next season and play for Jokerit. He knows he has to get better.

"I have to get stronger," Teravainen said. "Next season is very big for me."

General manager Stan Bowman said the Hawks were really excited he dropped to No. 18 after some projected that Teravainen could be a Top 10 pick.

"We had him much higher on our list," Bowman said. "To get him at the No. 18 spot was really impressive. We're thrilled with it."

Bowman said he felt that Teravainen only fell because there was a run on defensemen early in the draft. Eight of the first 10 picks were used on defensemen on Friday.

"He was always regarded as a first-round player," Bowman said. "He's a dynamic offensive player. He's got great hands. He's got the abiltity to make plays. He's got good speed. He's a really gifted offensive player."