Where does Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic rank among the NHL's best?

Alex Vlasic emerged as an outstanding defender in his first full season for the Chicago Blackhawks. Unfortunately, it was not a season that placed him among the NHL Network's top 20 defensemen.

The good thing is Vlasic is still young enough to continue to develop his game into eventually be ranked among the top 20.

He can join that list while being on the Blackhawks for the rest of the decade as the team locked him up with a contract extension.

Vlasic still has to work on his offensive game if he is to be considered a top-10 blueliner. He had just two goals and 14 assists last season. For example, Charlie McAvoy had 35 assists last season.

Seth Jones takes a lot of heat for the amount of money he makes and he will get even more as he did make the top-20 list.

If Vlasic can develop his offensive game to complement what he can do on the defensive end, then the Hawks projected top defensive pair can be a part of what is hoped to be a better overall offensive attack.

Jones might never win a Norris Trophy, even though he is paid like someone who has won one, he is still an effective offensive player who had 23 assists along with eight goals after going most of the winter without one.

If both can provide offensive support from the blue line, then the Hawks should be able to generate some more goals with the addition of Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teräväinen, and a returning Taylor Hall to assist Connor Bedard with the scoring.

Jones can disengage in games enough that it will be hard for him to ever become a top-20 defenseman. Vlasic still has not developed bad habits. His weakness is something that can be improved by being willing to shoot the puck more and having improved offensive talent around him.

If he can get more assists this season, hopefully, that puts him among the NHL's elite.