Could Alex Vlasic Receive a Contract Extension from the Chicago Blackhawks Soon?

According to all reports, Alex Vlasic had a very successful season with the Chicago Blackhawks. The 22-year-old was originally drafted in the second round (#43 overall) in 2019 by the previous regime. Vlasic is an imposing defender at 6’6 and 216 pounds, but it’s his consistency with skating and gap coverage that has the majority of the fandom enthusiastic about his long-term place in the lineup.

Alex Vlasic, a native of nearby Wilmette, IL, spent three seasons on the east coast playing at Boston University (wearing a “A” in his last season) before returning to the Blackhawks in 2022. After one season with Rockford (19 points in 56 games), he made the team this year, and it appears the team is now ready to sign the young blue liner:

Sounds like Alex Vlasic will be looking for a long-term contract with the Blackhawks this summer. “I want to be here as long as possible.”

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) April 20, 2024

In recent seasons, there has been a trend of signing younger players to seven or eight-year contracts rather than shorter-term (often referred to as bridge deals). Just a year and a half ago, the Buffalo Sabres signed Mattias Samuelson to a seven-year contract for $30 million. The 6’4 defender (also a left shot defenseman) was selected 32nd overall in 2018. Samuelsson is regarded as a quality top-four defensive blue liner, although he has not been as prolific as Vlasic in terms of ice time or scoring.

While equivalent to Vlasic’s contract, the Blackhawks will most likely need to extend the duration and increase the annual average value if they intend to sign him. An 8-year contract is now expected (into his 30th year), however a 7-year deal (making Vlasic a UFA at age 29) may be preferred by the player’s side if they are thinking long-term.

Vlasic, a top four defender who plays more than twenty-one minutes per game, may seek for a seven or eight-year contract valued between $4.75 and $5.75 million. From Blackhawk Up’s standpoint, it might be prudent to sign this young talent before he becomes too pricey.