How Alex Vlasic's leadership can be even more significant in 2026-27

Defenseman Alex Vlasic has been pretty much a leader on the defense since his first full season in 2023-24, and it's something he has hasn't taken lightly.

The Chicago Blackhawks' defense was so young last season. Going into next season, the defense will still be young (including him at 25 years old), and even with the additions of Bowen Byram and Ian Cole, Vlasic will still have a significant voice.

His 2026-27 storyline will be about how he will continue to show his leadership.

How Vlasic's season went

Vlasic is the steady presence on the defense. He's the top-pairing defenseman who logs a lot of minutes, averaging the most ice time on the team last season (21:08 minutes). On a blue line that carries a lot of offensive-minded talent, he is more of a defensive defenseman, and head coach Jeff Blashill was satisfied with his progression against opponents' best.

He might not be the biggest scorer, but he is productive, with 21 points in 81 games last season. It was a slight dip from the 30 points he had in 2024-25. A lot of ice time in a tight regular-season schedule against some hard opponents was likely a factor.

Going into next season, the dip in points is not really a concern.

What Vlasic's leadership showed off the ice

With NHL leaders, it is said a lot of the time that their influence off the ice is just as important as on the ice.

During training camp last year, I spoke with Vlasic, and he shared his excitement about the young defense and also noted, "...But for myself... I'm only 24, but I want to be like a leader, and somebody to look up to, and to have gotten a little bit of experience now playing here, so for the young defensemen, I want to show them what I've learned so far."

At exit interviews, Vlasic touched on his season, "Pretty good, I think there's a level of consistency that, for me personally, I would like to see improve next year. I think there was a handful of games where I felt like I was playing some really good hockey and just try to figure out a way to play that type of hockey every single game or as much as I can. But, I think as far as inside the room, I think I developed as a leader, you know, especially after losing Dicky (Jason Dickinson), Fliggy (Nick Foligno), Murph (Connor Murphy), those guys that were bringing some leadership to our room. I think it was important for some people to step up. I felt like that's somebody that I see myself as in the future. And so I think in that area, I definitely learned a lot and grew, so I was happy with that."

He was also the Blackhawks nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, given "to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community."

Blashill commented on his nomination and what he's seen from Vlasic in March, "First of all, he's a great, great human being. And so I think that's a part of any kind of leadership is just leading as a human. I mean, that's what's most important. Hockey is a game. And ultimately, I think we're judged on the impact we have on the people around us, and he has great impact on everybody he comes in contact with because of who he is, and I think he's a good lead by example guy. I think he's a great professional. Wants to get better every day he comes here. So. great human, great professional, done a great job this year."

Vlasic also noted in exit interviews that Murphy was a great leadership example for him to look up to. Going into next season, with the Blackhawks leadership group expected to look different, he could be like Murphy and be a choice for alternate captain. Vlasic has worn the "A" at times, including last season.

His guidance on and off the ice will remain at the forefront for him next season, whether he wears a letter or not. As time goes on, his presence will only become even more significant for the Blackhawks.

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