The Chicago Blackhawks selected Alex Vlasic in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft. Over the last four seasons, he has competed in 105 NHL games, and the 23-year-old is now poised to assume a significant role on the team.
Vlasic has been part of the top defensive pairing since last season, but he is now ready to enhance his offensive contributions. He spent some time playing on the Hawks’ top power play unit during their recent 3-2 defeat to the Nashville Predators. Vlasic held a position at the point on the power play alongside Connor Bedard, Nick Foligno, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Teuvo Teravainen—a strategic decision by head coach Luke Richardson that could prove beneficial if Vlasic continues to grow his offensive skills.
During the game, the Hawks had five power play chances, in which Vlasic logged 4 minutes and 45 seconds of ice time. He led the team with six shifts, although the special teams did not yield any scores for the Hawks, with one power play goal nullified in the second period.
“I honestly didn’t like the way I played on it tonight,” Vlasic remarked after the loss. “I think they did a good job on their forecheck, and we struggled to breakout as we intended. A lot of that falls on me. It’s challenging, and I’m still figuring out the dynamics of passing and identifying openings. I need to improve.”
Vlasic has time to develop this season. While the Hawks may not be aiming to win the Stanley Cup, focusing on the growth of their young players will be a success. Providing Vlasic with power play experience is a positive step, as he has emerged quickly as a key defenseman for the team, capable of performing in various situations.
Connor Bedard has been having difficulty scoring, tallying just one goal in his first seven games prior to the latest match. Vlasic assisted in getting Bedard back on the score sheet against Nashville. “I turned my head to the middle and saw Bedsy wide open, so I just passed it to him, and he executed a nice one-timer,” Vlasic said.
Richardson appreciated Vlasic’s offensive contributions. “That was a great offensive play,” he noted. “He skates well up the ice and quickly retrieved the puck along the wall, making a nice play. It was great for him to create that opportunity and for Connor to finish it.”
Last season, Vlasic gained recognition for his strong defensive play, which earned him a well-deserved contract extension. Richardson recognized his defensive efforts during Friday’s game. “He had a couple of intercepts tonight, which we observed more last year, so he’s getting back to that. I think players are aware of him now and are trying to keep pucks further away because of his reach and ability to intercept, which he demonstrated in our defensive zone tonight.”
Vlasic and Connor Murphy have teamed up on the blue line. While Murphy may not be an offensive powerhouse, he recognizes Vlasic’s potential. “He’s on the power play for a reason,” Murphy said. “He has talent and made a beautiful pass for the goal tonight. Being a two-way player like that is vital.”
