Defense
Left Defense | Right Defense |
---|---|
A. Vlasic | S. Jones |
K. Korchinski | C. Murphy |
A. Martinez | T. Brodie |
Pair one: Vlasic-Jones
Last season's top pair of Vlasic and Jones reunites for this season as well, after being the most consistent duo on the Blackhawks defense in 2023-24.
Vlasic will look to take another step after last year's breakout season.
The Blackhawks lock up Alex Vlasic long term on a six-year, $27.6M contract! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/pwwSGDJ2aP
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 25, 2024
Pair two; Korchinski-Murphy
Connor Murphy will look to bounce back after an injury riddled 2023-24. He will play alongside Korchinski who is entering his second NHL season.
It is worth noting that Korchinski is now eligible to play in the AHL since he turned 20 years-old. If he begins to look overwhelmed, he could spend some time in Rockford.
Pair three: Martinez-Brodie
The two newly added veterans will make for an experienced shut-down unit on the Blackhawks third pair. Brodie is coming off a down season in Toronto after many seasons on the team's top pair. He also is a unique defenseman who can play the left and right side.
Aside from his shot blocking, Martinez becomes a big piece of the leadership group in Chicago. This pair might also feature a young defender like Wyatt Kaiser at points throughout the season.