Blackhawks Big Defenseman Should Only Get Better

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic cemented himself a full-time spot on the Original Six club's NHL roster during the 2023-24 season. In 76 games with the Blackhawks that season, the 6-foot-6 blueliner recorded two goals, 14 assists, 16 points, and 56 hits. Overall, the 2019 second-round pick certainly demonstrated that he has the ability to be a solid defensive defenseman at the NHL level.

After breaking out during the 2023-24 season, Vlasic undoubtedly hit a new level this past campaign with the Blackhawks. In 82 games with the Blackhawks during the 2025-26 campaign, he set new career highs with four goals, 26 assists, and 30 points. With this, the young blueliner became more of an offensive threat for the Blackhawks, while also still being dependable when it came to his defensive play. As a result of this, he was used in all situations and emerged as the Blackhawks' top blueliner in the process.

While it was a tough 2024-25 season for the Blackhawks, it is hard not to be happy with the campaign Vlasic put together. He took another major step in the right direction, and only proved that the Blackhawks made the right call signing him to a six-year, $27.6 million contract extension during the 2023-24 season.

Now, Vlasic's goal from here will be to continue to reach new heights for the Blackhawks. He is an incredibly important part of the Blackhawks' rebuild, and it will be fascinating to see what kind of season he has in 2025-26 because of it.