The Chicago Blackhawks have signed considered one of their vivid younger stars to a long-term contract extension. On Thursday, the Blackhawks introduced that defenseman Alex Vlasic signed a six-year, $27.6 million contract.

Vlasic, 22, is a former second-round choose who had a breakout 2023-24 marketing campaign in Chicago. He was set to be a restricted free agent this summer time, however the workforce by no means let it get that far.

Nobody performed extra minutes at five-on-five than Vlasic, and solely veteran defenseman Seth Jones totaled extra general ice time. In these minutes, Vlasic posted a pair of objectives and 14 assists in 76 video games, however it was his defensive acumen that earned him a long-term deal.

Based on Pure Stat Trick, the Blackhawks had a minus-1 aim differential with Vlasic on the ice at five-on-five, which is great given his age and the truth that the workforce as a complete completed the season with a aim differential of minus-84.

“Alex made huge strides this yr and proved he’s a professional top-four defenseman within the NHL,” Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson mentioned in his assertion. “In his first full season within the NHL, Alex established himself as an essential piece of our younger core, and we’re excited to have him with us for the following six years.”

Vlasic is now a part of a younger core the Blackhawks will attempt to rebuild round as they attempt to regain their Cup contender standing. Connor Bedard, the 2023 No. 1 general choose and sure Calder Trophy winner, is on the middle of that group. Round him, Chicago already has thrilling younger gamers like Vlasic, Kevin Korchinski, Landon Slaggert and Frank Nazar.

The Blackhawks will solely add to their prospect pool on the 2024 NHL Draft this summer time, and so they could have the No. 1 general choose once more, relying on how the draft lottery balls bounce in Might.