Chicago Blackhawks 23-year-old defenseman getting the nod to play for Team USA could take his game to an even higher level

This offseason is just as important for the young faces on Chicago Blackhawks roster as it is for the front office through the draft and free agency. The team finished 31st in the league standings this season just like they did a year ago, but this campaign was much different than the previous one. The Blackhawks collected points in their final three games to end the year and played in more competitive contests than they have in the last handful of seasons in the final five weeks.

A handful of entry-level deals were signed toward the end of the season and the team began playing much quicker because of that. Even though the Blackhawks remained the team with the lesser talent on most nights, their speed and physicality kept them in games.

It will be harder to make the roster out of camp for the fringe guys this upcoming season and that’s another positive note for fans to hear. The bottom-six forward positions will be a major battle for the younger players who recently signed their deals and the last three blue line spots won’t be easy to earn either.

One of the top defenseman in this growing core for the Blackhawks will be playing more hockey during the offseason and it’s a fantastic opportunity for him to take his game to new heights.

Alex Vlasic playing for Team USA will benefit the Chicago Blackhawks

Alex Vlasic will be a member of Team USA in the IIHF World Championship beginning on May 9. The Blackhawks’ top left-shot defenseman played in all 82 games this past season and scored four goals while adding 26 assists for 30 total points. All scoring marks for Vlasic were the most he posted in a single season, but his plus/minus rating took a hit.

Vlasic finished the campaign with a -23 plus/minus rating after posting a -4 mark in the 2023-24 season. This could be due to the Wilmette native being elevated to the top pairing for most of the year and the few tough stretches the team went through before hitting their stride in the final few weeks of the season.

The 23-year-old will get the chance to skate with some really solid best blue liners in this two week tournament, which will only help him moving forward. Vlasic signed a five year contract extension last year that will begin this upcoming year. The organization has faith in their homegrown talent and they know that he can be a big part of the next playoff team in the Windy City.

The Chicago Blackhawks could expect Alex Vlasic to become a leader

Vlasic made it known at the end of the year that he feels ready to take on a leadership role with the Blackhawks. There will be an alternate captain spot up for grabs this upcoming season, with Nick Foligno returning as the captain and Connor Murphy as the other alternate.

“I like to think I stepped up a little bit (as a leader),” Vlasic told the media. “Next year, I want to try to be a little more vocal.”

The young core that Chicago has right now is getting more comfortable at the NHL level and the guys around them. Foligno’s contract is up after next season, which could be his last as a professional. If this is the case, the Blackhawks will be looking for a new captain once again, and Vlasic could be a candidate to step in and fill those shoes.