The Chicago Blackhawks have high hopes for Alex Vlasic and his potential within the NHL. Vlasic is certainly one of just a few very promising defensemen to skate with the Blackhawks in recent seasons. Artyom Levshunov has shown his skill, and Sam Rinzel has made an impression early on. Nonetheless, Vlasic would be the team’s most vital defenseman already.
Vlasic has emerged as a top quality shutdown defenseman within the NHL. He has taken increasingly more responsibility with each passing season. And he’s shown the flexibility to contribute on the penalty kill. Despite only being 24, he’s a frontrunner within the locker room. This was made evident on Sunday when he wore an A on his sweater as an alternate captain against the Anaheim Geese.
This can be a big honor, especially for a player of his age. Adding to that is his connection to the Blackhawks franchise. He grew up within the suburbs of Chicago, and followed the team growing up. All of that made this decision far more surreal. Still, he remained fairly humble when talking about it.
“It’s form of weird, truthfully. The very first thing I noticed after I would come to games and you’ll see guys like Keith, Seabrook, Sharp, Kaner, all these guys wearing the A’s, it’s form of crazy to think that children are coming to games and looking out at me the identical way,” the Blackhawks defenseman said, via beat reporter Charlie Roumeliotis.
“I do not feel like I’m that good or that much of a frontrunner in comparison with those guys, however it definitely is a pinch-me moment. I’m super thankful for that. It’s a very cool opportunity.”
Vlasic didn’t rating a degree against the Geese on Sunday night. Nonetheless, he played a giant role of their victory. He skated somewhat over 24 minutes of ice time against Anaheim. He blocked 4 shots and delivered two hits within the 2-1 additional time win.
The Blackhawks have shown some promise early within the season. Vlasic is a giant reason why Chicago has earned some big wins. It seems as if he’s becoming an entire player and a crucial presence within the locker room this season.