The Chicago Blackhawks had one glaring roster move to make this offseason. No, it was not adding depth around Connor Bedard or adding a new goaltender. Rather, the number one thing on Kyle Davidson's list this offseason was extending his young, defensive-minded stalwart on the blue line. Alex Vlasic needed a new contract, but that is no longer the case.
According to Scott Powers of The Athletic, the Blackhawks and Vlasic have agreed to terms on a six-year extension that is worth $4.6 million average annual value.
Vlasic just finished his first full season in the NHL. Rather than being sheltered and groomed slowly like some young defensemen are, Vlasic was thrown into the fire in his first season, largely skating first-pairing minutes alongside Seth Jones.
Vlasic finished the season playing 76 games, tallying two goals and 14 assists. In addition, Vlasic was a -4 on a horrific Blackhawks team. Why is that number somewhat impressive? Vlasic was constantly going against the other team's best players while averaging 21:28 of ice time per game. That is top pairing potential demonstrated on the ice.
Vlasic will make $27.6 million over the life of the deal. This contract is very similar to that of Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson, who signed a seven-year, $30 million deal before the start of the 2023-24 season.
To celebrate the deal, Vlasic will also represent the United States at the upcoming World Championships. Both he and Jones were named in the first-15 roster release. Although, reports surfaced weeks before that the two would be playing additional hockey this season.
Kyle Davidson has locked up one of his core blue liners for the foreseeable future. Now, the rest of the offseason is about continuing to build the prospect pool and add some more talent around face of the franchise Connor Bedard. However, the biggest need has already been addressed before the calendar turns to the month of May.
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