Alex Vlasic emerging as a key leader for the Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks are in a unique place right now, a mix of rising young talent and experienced veterans. Ten players on the current roster are 29 or older, while nine are 23 or younger. And then there are the few players in between, trying to bridge the gap between the two generations.

At just 24 years old, Alex Vlasic finds himself right in the middle. The 6-foot-6 defenseman is young enough to connect with the next wave of Blackhawks stars, but experienced enough to earn the respect of the veterans. As one of the few homegrown players still with the team from drafts between 2013 and 2019, Vlasic’s presence carries weight both on and off the ice.

“It’s cool for me to be able to be in the middle,” Vlasic said. “I have the older guys to hang out with and look up to. I have the younger guys to hang out with and then also set a good example for them. I feel like I’ve found myself in a really fun spot to play for this team.”

Alex Vlasic taking on a bigger role with the Chicago Blackhawks

Over the past few seasons, Alex Vlasic has quietly become one of the Chicago Blackhawks’ most reliable defensemen. Known for his steady play and smart decision-making, he’s expected to play top-pairing minutes this season and take on a major role on the penalty kill.

Vlasic’s game has grown tremendously since his NHL debut four years ago. After representing the United States at the World Championship last spring and earning an invite to the U.S. Olympic orientation camp, his confidence is at an all-time high.

New head coach Jeff Blashill has also taken notice.

“He’s a guy I would’ve liked to have in last night’s game,” Blashill said after the team’s opener. “Everybody misses guys, but he’s a key guy for us. I thought through camp, until he got hurt, he had had a great camp. He’s just a really, really good player.”

Vlasic missed the season opener due to injury, and his absence was immediately felt. Blashill added that Vlasic’s maturity and consistency bring a calming effect to the team’s blue line — something that’s hard to find in a young defense corps.

“I know he’s not old, but in our D-corps, he is,” Blashill said. “He plays a very mature game. There’s not a lot of peaks and valleys. That steadying presence is huge for us.”

Vlasic is expected to return to the lineup for Thursday’s matchup against the Boston Bruins, paired once again with Sam Rinzel, his regular partner late last season. Vlasic praised Rinzel’s offensive instincts and skating ability and said he’s focused on being the reliable, defensive-minded counterpart on their pairing.

“I think there’s a fine line between taking unnecessary risks and chances,” Vlasic said. “Playing with Rinzel, he’s very good offensively, so there’s more room for me to be that steady defensive guy and contribute where I can.”

Chicago Blackhawks see Alex Vlasic growing into a leader on and off the ice

Leadership comes in different forms, and Alex Vlasic is embracing his role as a quiet, steady influence on this Chicago Blackhawks roster. He’s spent years observing veteran teammates like Connor Murphy, Nick Foligno, and Tyler Bertuzzi, learning how to carry himself as a professional.

“Obviously, there’s going to be a transition point sometime soon between the leadership group we have now and the young guys coming up,” Vlasic said. “I just want to make sure I’m soaking up all the information I can and learning what to do and how I can help the team any way possible.”

Murphy, now 32 and one of the longest-tenured Blackhawks, has enjoyed watching Vlasic’s growth up close. The two defensemen trained together during the offseason and have built a strong friendship off the ice.

“It’s fun seeing guys grow and become such good players,” Murphy said. “When they drafted him in 2019, I’m sure they didn’t see him being a guy who could be in contention for the Olympics, but here he is. It’s rewarding to see guys you’re pulling for having lots of success.”

Vlasic has also made personal growth a priority. Last season, he realized that maintaining energy throughout the long NHL schedule was a challenge. He spent the summer learning more about self-care and recovery, even incorporating short naps into his daily routine to enhance his stamina and focus.

“I don’t love napping,” Vlasic admitted with a laugh. “But if it’s something that makes me feel better and play better, it’s worth learning.”

As the Chicago Blackhawks continue their rebuild, Alex Vlasic stands out as a symbol of balance, young enough to grow with the team but mature enough to lead by example. His evolution from a promising prospect to a dependable top-four defenseman shows just how far he’s come.

And if his growth continues at this pace, Vlasic won’t just be a bridge between the young and old, he’ll be one of the key pillars of the Blackhawks’ next era of success.

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