Blackhawks Sign Alex Vlasic to 6-year contract extension – Hockey Writers – Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks have locked up one of their top prospects for the foreseeable future, signing defenseman Alex Vlasic to a six-year extension, according to Athletic's Scott Power.
The contract, which will keep him with the club through the 2029-30 season, is worth $27.6 million with an average annual salary of $4.6 million.
The 22-year-old Vlasic played his first full NHL season with the Blackhawks in 2023-24, scoring two goals and 14 assists for 16 points in 76 games. However, it was his play away from the puck that stood out to coaches and fans alike, and he became the Blackhawks' best defenseman to close the season in the second half of the season.
“Alex made huge strides this year and proved he is a legitimate top-four defenseman in the NHL,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a team statement. “In his first full season in the NHL, Alex proved himself to be an important part of our new team, and we are excited to have him for the next six years.”
Related: Chicago Blackhawks 2023-24 Player Grades: Defense
Vlasic finished the season with a team-leading 148 blocked shots, and the second-highest average ice time at 21:29. He also finished with the second-highest average ice time on the penalty kill, logging 2:19 per night.
“I would like to be here as long as possible,” Vlasic told the media on April 20. “It's amazing to be able to play for my team, the city I grew up in, so I'm not looking to go anywhere else. I want to be here as long as possible and you know that.”
THW Blackhawks reporters Brooke LoFurno and Gail Kauchak compiled their defensive grades for the 2023-24 season, giving Vlasic their highest grade, an A.
“It was great to see Vlasic doing well all season. “He's very good at using his size and long reach to break up plays,” Kauchak said. “(H)e is smart, he is almost always in the right mood … I don't believe in giving perfect marks because there is always room for improvement. But Vlasic was pretty close, considering this was his first full NHL season. “
Blackhawks Draft Vlasic in 2019
Vlasic was taken in the second round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and spent three years at Boston University, becoming one of the most outstanding defensemen in college hockey. He led the team in blocked shots his senior season and earned Hockey East All-Star honors.
In 82 games over three college seasons, he had four goals and 16 assists for 20 points. He served as an alternate captain during his junior season.
Related: Chicago Blackhawks' 2023-24 Player Rankings: Top
The Wilmette, IL native signed a three-year contract with the Blackhawks through March 2022, appearing in 15 games with the club late in the season. He spent most of the 2022–23 season with the American Hockey League's (AHL) Rockford IceHogs, scoring two goals and 17 assists for 19 points in 56 games.
The 6-foot-6 defender represented the US at the U18 World Championship in 2019, earning a bronze medal.
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