Blackhawks head coach delivers bold statement on teams rookie defensemen

As the team continues its rebuild, Alex Vlasic played his first full season in the NHL during the 2023-2024 season.

The defenseman who was drafted 43rd overall in the second round of the 2019 draft has become a reliable defenseman.

As part of the top-pairing with Seth Jones, Vlasic has played 21:41 TOI in the last ten games.




Despite not being an offensive threat, he has provided 3 assists and compiled 12 shots, 17 blocks, and 1 power-play point.

During the interview with local media, Luke Richardson mentioned that he hasn't had to correct the defenseman much.

More Alex Vlasic praise.

Luke Richardson says the coaching staff doesn't have to correct him on many things despite it being his first full year in the NHL. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/nBHZykuEYG— Joe Brand (@Joe_Brand1) March 14, 2024

The fact that he has shown good vision on the ice has helped him be a great two-way player on the ice.

During Richardson's comments, he said that Vlasic had done a great job so far in his first season in the league.

Defensemen take the longest to develop, so this is high praise for the young defenseman.

As of 2023-2024, Vlasic has played 60 games with 2 goals and 12 assists for 14 points.

If he keeps this up, he may find himself in the same role next year as a top-pairing defenseman.