Alex Vlasic Will Be A Critical Part Of The Blackhawks Some Day

Alex Vlasic is only 19 years old, and yet for the Chicago Blackhawks, he might be the team’s next shut down defender that they can put out on the ice in any situation.

Alex Vlasic still has a few seasons before he is going to jump to the NHL. He is only 19 years old. Like Ian Mitchell, there is no reason to rush Vlasic into the NHL, especially if it comes at the cost of his development.

Vlasic is 6’6″ and can be the next critical piece of the Blackhawks blue line. I was excited when the ‘Hawks drafted him with their second-round pick, look at some of the things our staff had to say about him last year around this time.

He might not be the best defender offensively. In 34 games last season with Boston University, Vlasic only had four assists. I would consider him to be a Niklas Hjalmarsson type of defensemen for the Blackhawks in a few years, so his offensive ability might not be the biggest issue.

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Vlasic is another young guy in a long list of prospects that could stake a claim on the Blackhawks blue line in under five years. Imagine a top four that features Adam Boqvist, Ian Mitchell, and Alex Vlasic. Then throw in guys like Connor Murphy or Nicolas Beaudin, and our blue line can be one of the best in the league someday.

I genuinely do believe Vlasic compliments Adam Boqvist well. While Boqvist has the capability of being a star offensively someday and can hopefully quarterback our power play for years to come, Vlasic can work as his linemate to help make sure the pairing is defensively sound in their own end. I see the two of them forming their own Keith Seabrook partnership someday with the team.

Vlasic still has a lot of time before he will be jumping to the NHL. Like Ian Mitchell before him, I believe Vlasic will not consider going pro for another season or two. Vlasic is only 19, and the time he has right now should make him a better hockey player for years to come.

Remember the name Alex Vlasic, because I think Blackhawks fans will be getting to see him a lot more in a few seasons along with Mitchell and Boqvist. The future blue line is definitely going to be the Blackhawks’ strength!