Alex skates better than some NHL defensemen and can cut angles off the best forwards in Hockey East.
However, on the forward side Kirby Dach has declined significantly in his physical play. A return to that could signal things to come for the Hawks.
His rookie year showed signs of brilliance in the physical game, as a late season game in the the 2019-20 season against Vancouver comes to mind. His wrist injury has seemed to make him timid about being a net front presence. His 6'4» frame however, speaks volumes on his ability to be such a forward on the power play.
Even when his play hasn't shown as much.
The Blackhawks haven't been a consistently physical team and it's to their detriment. These two big bodies on both sides could develop into something. Ben Eager, from 2010, and Andrew Shaw, from 2013 are now retired, so a return to physical play is in order.
POLL | ||
MARS 18 | 212 ANSWERS Our Problem With Size..Is Soon to be Fixed! Are you excited to see Alex Vlassic make his Blackhawks debut this season? | ||
Yes | 111 | 52.4 % |
Double Yes | 41 | 19.3 % |
Nope not really | 60 | 28.3 % |
List of polls |